AS if Thailand wasn't already a tall enough order, Alas Pilipinas Women had to deal with the Southeast Asian powerhouse at full strength this time.
The Nationals’ search for a breakthrough in the 6th SEA V.Cup continued after bowing to host Thailand in their Leg 2 opener on Friday, 19-25, 17-25, 19-25, extending a frustrating run in the regional tournament.
READ: Alyssa Solomon wins third SEA V.Cup Best Opposite Spiker award
Alas Women already had a good look at just how tough Thailand could be in Leg 1, where they pushed the perennial regional queens all the way to five sets before eventually falling short.
That was with the Thais still missing several of their biggest names. But for Leg 2 in Chiang Mai, Thailand took the gloves off.
The host nation welcomed back its powerhouse core after several key stars were given a brief respite following a grueling Volleyball Nations League campaign, leaving an Alas Women lineup with just one player change in Celine Marsh for Vanie Gandler to face an even more imposing challenge.
Too tough a task
Niña Ytang paced Alas Women from the middle with eight points on six attacks and two blocks in a losing effort.
Alyssa Solomon came off the bench in place of Erika Santos at opposite and finished with six attack points. Santos and Eya Laure added five points apiece, while Thea Gagate contributed three.
Bella Belen, who emerged as Alas Women's top scorer in Leg 1, was held to just two attack points after entering off the bench.
The Natoinals, however, struggled to slow down Thailand's star-studded attack.
Alas Women hung tough in the opening set, staying within range despite the return of elite Thai wingers Chatchu-on Moksri and Pimpichaya Kokram, who immediately bolstered the hosts' offense.
With Leg 1 MVP Sasipaporn Janthawisut continuing her stellar play, Thailand's three-pronged attack alongside Chatchu-on and Pimpichaya combined for 28 points as the hosts raced to a lead that ballooned to as much as 10 in Set 2.
One final stand started strong but faltered late for the Philippines in the third set.
Alas seized a slim 17-15 edge and threatened to extend the match, but Thailand answered with the composure expected of the region's perennial powerhouse, rattling off 10 of the last 12 points to complete the sweep and keep the Philippines winless in the tournament.
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