Alas Pilipinas falls to Vietnam in SEA V League opener

Alas Pilipinas opened its 2026 Southeast Asia Volleyball League (SEA V League) campaign with a hard-fought four-set defeat to defending champion Vietnam, 27-29, 17-25, 25-20, 19-25, on Friday at the Dong Anh Gymnasium.

The Filipinas showed resilience throughout the match and managed to extend the contest after taking the third set, but Vietnam's experience and timely execution proved decisive.

After Alas Pilipinas gained momentum with its third-set victory, Vietnam regained control in the fourth frame with the return of star outside hitter Tran Thi Thanh Thuy, who sat out the previous set.

Thanh Thuy sparked a crucial 9-1 run that turned Vietnam's narrow 14-10 advantage into a commanding 19-11 lead. The Philippines continued to fight, cutting the deficit to 24-19 behind Bella Belen and Thea Gagate, but Tran Thi Bich Thuy ended the rally with a running attack to secure the win.

Alas Pilipinas nearly stole the opening set after forcing an extended battle. Back-to-back attacks from Erika Santos and Belen gave the Filipinas their first set point at 24-23, but Vietnam answered each challenge before eventually taking the frame.

Dell Palomata gave the Philippines another set point opportunity, but the hosts rallied behind Tran Thi Bich Thuy and Thanh Thuy to close out the opening set.

Vietnam carried its momentum into the second set, building an early advantage and stretching the lead to 17-11 before finishing the frame with an efficient offensive performance.

The Filipinas responded in the third set while Thanh Thuy remained on the bench. With the score at 18-16, Alas Pilipinas launched a decisive 4-0 run led by Belen to create separation and force a fourth set.

However, Vietnam quickly regained control once Thanh Thuy returned to the court, preventing the Philippines from completing the comeback.

Alas Pilipinas will look to bounce back on Saturday when it faces Thailand at 5 p.m., with the Filipinas aiming for their first victory of the tournament.