Alas Pilipinas swept by Thailand in SEA V Cup Leg 2 opener

FILE–Alas Pilipinas in action during the SEA V Cup Leg 1. –SAVA PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines–Alas Pilipinas Women got swept by first leg champion Thailand, 25-19, 25-17, 25-19, to open their SEA V Cup Leg 2 campaign on Friday night at Chiang Mai Stadium.

Alas couldn’t repeat its gallant stand from last week, when it pushed the Thais to their limits in a five-set match in Hanoi.

Thailand, the most successful volleyball country in the region, made quick work of the Philippines in a lopsided one-hour, 16-minute match.

Leg 1 MVP and Best Outside Spiker Sasipapron Janthawisut led the onslaught with 10 points from eight kills, one block and an ace.

The Philippines took a 12-10 lead in the third set on Alyssa Solomon’s back-to-back kills, but the hosts caught fire and put the match away.

Pimpichaya Kokram also scored 10 points. Chatchu-On Moksri had nine, while Thatdao Nuekjang and Ajcharaporn Kongyot added seven each.

Thailand swept all three games in Leg 1 and is looking to reclaim the Leg 2 crown after losing to Vietnam last year.

Alas has now dropped four straight games since losing its place on the podium after winning four consecutive bronze medals dating back to the 2024 edition.

Niña Ytang led Alas with eight points from six kills and two blocks. Solomon had six, while Erika Santos and Eya Laure added five each.

Bella Belen, the Philippines’ top scorer in the first leg, was held to two points.

Alas faces Vietnam on Saturday at 2 p.m. (Philippine time).

Vietnam, which brought a new lineup, was upset by Indonesia earlier, 25-20, 25-18, 22-25, 25-20, 15-9.