Alas Pilipinas Women take on Thailand in the 2026 SEA V Cup on Saturday in Hanoi, Vietnam. Photo from SAVA
POLOMOLOK, South Cotabato (UPDATED) — Alas Pilipinas Women fought valiantly but ultimately came up short against Thailand, 17-25, 25-19, 15-25, 25-18, 10-15, in their Leg 1 encounter at the 2026 SEA V Cup in Hanoi, Vietnam on Saturday.
It was a spirited stand for the Filipina spikers, forcing a decider after a 25-18 win in the fourth frame.
Unfortunately for the Nationals, the Thais stayed composed, turning back Bella Belen and company late.
READ: Alas Women lose to Vietnam in SEA V Cup Leg 1 opener
Belen and Erika Santos kept the Philippines in the hunt with their respective attacks, 11-9, but a crosscourt hit and a combination play from Thailand gave the latter a bit of breathing room for a 13-9 lead.
The Capital1 star was blocked by Thailand, but she made up for it, scoring the Philippines’ 10th point in the fifth frame at 13-10.
However, that turned out to be Alas Women’s final conversion as the Thailand athletes found the kills that clinched their second win, dealing the Filipinas their second straight loss.
Belen displayed her brilliance once more, garnering a game-high 20 points which were all made on attacks, while an equally reliable spiker Alyssa Solomon delivered 13 points on 11 attacks and two blocks.
Vange Alinsug and Eya Laure made their presence felt by adding eight markers each.
Alas Pilipinas Women now turn their attention to Indonesia, their last opponent in the four-nation tournament on Sunday, August 2.