New generation of Alas Women ends Vietnam drought with statement comeback

08-10 02:43

For seven years, Vietnam had remained a frustrating obstacle for Philippine women's volleyball.

On Saturday, a new generation of Alas Pilipinas finally changed the story.

Led by Eya Laure, Alyssa Solomon, and Bella Belen, Alas Women battled back from an early setback to defeat Vietnam, 22-25, 25-23, 25-21, 25-22, in the second leg of the 2026 SEA V Cup at Chiang Mai Stadium.

The victory was more than just another win on the standings.

It ended a seven-year drought against Vietnam, with the Philippines’ last victory coming on October 4, 2019, during the ASEAN Grand Prix.

That previous triumph featured some of the biggest names in Philippine volleyball, including Jia de Guzman, Dawn Macandili-Catindig, Alyssa Valdez, Ces Molina, Mylene Paat, and Majoy Baron.

This time, it was a younger group that stepped forward.

Laure delivered a match-high 22 points, repeatedly answering Vietnam’s attacks with timely kills. Solomon added 17 points, while Belen provided 16 as the Philippines overcame a difficult start and refused to collapse under pressure.

Vietnam appeared in control after taking the opening set, but Alas responded with greater aggression and composure. Laure, Solomon, Gagate, and Palomata helped the Philippines escape the second frame, 25-23, shifting the momentum of the match.

The third set belonged to Alas early, as the Philippines raced to an 18-8 advantage before surviving Vietnam’s comeback attempt.

But the biggest challenge came in the fourth.

With a 22-19 lead, the Philippines suddenly saw its advantage disappear after a service error from Mars Alba and a surge from Pham Quynh Huong allowed Vietnam to tie the score.

Instead of folding, Alas found another gear.

Belen broke through the Vietnamese defense with a crucial attack, Laure followed with another powerful finish, and the Philippines moved to match point.

Then came the defining moment.

Reading Tran Thi Bich Thuy’s slide attack perfectly, Laure made the defensive stop that sealed the victory and sent Alas Women celebrating a breakthrough result.

The win also served as a confidence boost for Thea Gagate, who bounced back with 10 points, including six blocks, after struggling offensively in recent matches.

Vietnam still received a huge effort from Tran Thi Thanh Thuy, who scored 25 points, but it was the Philippines that owned the final moments.

Now sitting at 1-1 in the second leg, Alas Women turn their attention to Indonesia on Sunday, where another strong performance could put them in contention for a podium finish.

After years of waiting, this young Alas squad has shown it can create its own history.