RECENT history is firmly on the side of Alas Pilipinas Women as they chase a first SEA Games medal in 20 years against Indonesia.
The two Southeast Asian rivals have crossed paths three times this year across two regional tournaments, with the Philippines emerging victorious in all three meetings.
READ: Alas bound for bronze medal match after bowing to Vietnam
Alas Women first turned back Indonesia in the 2025 AVC Women’s Volleyball Nations Cup last June, rallying from a set down for a 22–25, 25–23, 25–13, 28–26 comeback.
That win was one of four group-stage victories that propelled the Nationals to the top seed in Pool B and ultimately to a historic silver medal finish.
Leading that charge were Alyssa Solomon and Angel Canino, now the Philippines’ top scorers in the SEA Games, who poured in 17 points apiece in that encounter.
The rivalry resumed two months later in the twin legs of the SEA V.League, highlighted by the return of Indonesian star spiker Megawati Hangestri Pertiwi.
Despite settling for bronze finishes in both legs, the Philippines again had Indonesia’s number, accounting for the Nationals’ lone win in each leg.
The first came via a four-set victory, 25–20, 25–20, 16–25, 25–13, followed by a dominant 25–17, 25–17, 28–26 sweep less than a week later.
Will history repeat itself?
On paper, the trends point favorably toward Alas Women as they look to rekindle the Bacolod magic of 2005, the last time the Philippines stood on the SEA Games podium.
Whether that recent mastery of Indonesia will translate to a long-awaited medal, however, will be decided on Monday (4 p.m. Manila time), with a single match determining if a two-decade wait finally ends or stretches at least two more years.
Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph
NOTICE ON UNAUTHORIZED AND UNLAWFUL USE, PUBLICATION, AND/OR DISSEMINATION OF SPIN.PH CONTENT: Please be notified that any unauthorized and unlawful use, publication, and/or dissemination of Spin.ph’s content and/or materials is a direct violation of its legal and exclusive rights to the same, and shall be subject to appropriate legal action/s.
