Alas Pilipinas Women at the VTV Cup 2025. Usports/Facebook
RODRIGUEZ, Rizal – Alas Pilipinas fought hard but succumbed to Chinese Taipei, 17-25, 24-26, 22-25, in the bronze medal match of the VTV Cup 2025.
Philippines missed on back-to-back podium finishes in Vietnam, falling short of a third-place finish this time after Alas Women's historic silver medal result at the AVC Women's Nations Cup 2025 three weeks ago.
READ: VTV Cup: Alas Pilipinas puts up gallant stand but falls short vs Russia's Korabelka in semis
The Nationals were relegated to the bronze medal match after losing against defending champion Korabelka of Russia in four sets, 16-25, 27-25, 17-25, 22-25, in the semifinals on Friday.
READ: Alas Pilipinas ousts Thailand's Est Cola, makes VTV Cup semis
Unlike the opener, the Jia de Guzman-captained squad put up a brave stand in Set 2 against Chinese Taipei, erasing a 20-16 deficit and eventually taking the driver's seat at 23-22, thanks to Brooke Van Sickle's sharp spikes.
Coach Jorge de Brito rallied his cogs off a timeout after Chinese Taipei reached set point, 24-23, and Van Sickle, the pride of Ilocos Sur, was there again to level the match.
But sadly for Alas, their counterparts found the down-the-line hit and kill block on Vanie Gandler to put away the Filipinas in extended Set 2, 26-24.
Alas even led Set 3 late, 22-21, after an MJ Phillips quick attack, but Van Sickle's serve in the succeeding play went out, giving out a point to Chinese Taipei.
An attack from their rivals was initially called as out at the 23-22 mark, but was overturned after a block touch challenge, prompting the officials to issue a yellow card on the Philippines.
Chinese Taipei found the into-the-block kill on Alas' net defense to reach match point, and it finally clinched the bronze after Gandler's attack attempt went out, 25-22.
READ: Historic silver: PH clinches breakthrough 2nd place finish in AVC Women's Nations Cup
Next up for Alas Women is the SEA V.League 2025, where they are expected to compete once more with the best in the region.