Veteran Thailand overwhelms Alas Pilipinas as winless skid continues

08-10 02:22

Alas Pilipinas once again found itself facing the challenge of Southeast Asia's volleyball powerhouse.

Against a Thailand squad reinforced by some of its most experienced stars, the Filipinas struggled to find answers and suffered a straight-set defeat, 19-25, 17-25, 19-25, in the second leg of the 2026 SEA V Cup on Friday at Chiang Mai Stadium.

Thailand entered the match with renewed confidence after sweeping the opening leg to claim its ninth SEA V Cup championship. The return of veterans Pornpun Guedpard, Pimpichaya Kokram, and Chatchu-On Moksri only made the reigning regional powerhouse even more difficult to overcome.

Guedpard immediately controlled the tempo, setting up Thailand's attackers as the hosts broke away late in the opening frame. Alas Pilipinas stayed within striking distance at 19-17, but Thailand answered with a closing 6-2 run to seize the set.

The second set quickly slipped away from the Filipinas. After keeping pace early, Thailand exploded with a 12-3 run that turned a narrow advantage into a commanding 17-7 lead. From there, the hosts comfortably moved closer to another sweep.

Alas Pilipinas showed its strongest fight in the third set, briefly taking a 13-12 lead and showing signs of a possible comeback. But Thailand's experience once again proved decisive. Two errors from Alyssa Solomon triggered a four-point surge that shifted momentum back to the hosts.

Thailand never surrendered control after that, completing the sweep and extending Alas Pilipinas' losing streak to four matches.

Nina Ytang carried the offensive load for the Philippines with eight points, while Solomon added six. Eya Laure and Erika Santos contributed five points apiece, while Dawn Catindig anchored the defense with 18 excellent digs and four excellent receptions.

Thailand received balanced production from Janthawisut Sasipapron and Pimpichaya Kokram, who scored 10 points each, while Guedpard's playmaking kept the Thai offense organized throughout the match.

With their first victory still out of reach, Alas Pilipinas now turns its attention to Vietnam, hoping to finally break through and end a difficult SEA V Cup campaign on a positive note.