Alas Women weather third-set scare, secure fourth straight bronze in SEA V. League

Noah Barro

Proving strong in podium matches, Alas Pilipinas Women overcame a third-set surge from Indonesia to complete a straight-set sweep, 25-17, 25-17, 28-26, and clinch their fourth consecutive bronze medal in Leg 2 of the 5th SEA V. League at Ninh Binh, Vietnam, on August 10.

Despite a winless record prior to the bronze medal match, Alas still managed to earn their sixth bronze medal overall in the Southeast Asian tournament.

The Filipinas also celebrated individual recognition, Justine Jazareno was named Best Libero, the only awardee from the national team, following their triumph over Indonesia.

After cruising through the first two sets, Indonesia found their rhythm with steadier passing and floor defense, pulling within 20-22 late in the third set.

But Bella Belen and Eya Laure sparked a late rally, combining for six points that kept ALAS alive through a tense exchange of set points before finally sealing the podium finish.

The victory, however, came with concern as national team ace Alyssa Solomon was stretchered off midway through an impressive first set after an injury scare during a dive.

Solomon, a former National University standout, helped fuel Alas Pilipinas’’ early dominance, pushing them to a 17-10 lead in the opener, a gap Indonesia never recovered from.

In the second set, Indonesia briefly led 8-7 before the mandatory timeout, but that proved to be their last advantage. Alas responded with a scoring spree and stout net defense, launching a 10-2 run to build a 17-10 cushion they never relinquished.

Dell Palomata and Angel Canino anchored the defense with four blocks in the second set alone, giving the national team a 2-0 lead.

Ironically, Alas Pilipinas also relied heavily on their service game, racking up eight aces in the bronze medal match.

The win marked Alas’’ fifth straight victory over Indonesia, dating back to their clash in the 2024 AVC Cup hosted by the Philippines.