ALAS Pilipinas found Thailand much too good, more so on home soil, as the host ran away with a 18-25, 23-25, 16-25 win to open Leg 2 of the 2024 SEA V.League on Friday in Nakhon Ratchasima.
Alas' second-set comeback behind National University aces Alyssa Solomon (four points) and Bella Belen (three points) couldn't ruffle the Thais who wrapped up a win as lopsided as their victory over the Filipinas in their Leg 1 matchup.
After sitting out the first leg as reserves, Jema Galanza and Cherry Nunag were quick to make an impression for Alas in their brief appearances with two markers apiece alongside second setter Julia Coronel, who took on the playmaking duties for extended minutes.
READ Galanza, Nunag back in Alas lineup in place of Gandler, Palomata
Meanwhile, the six-time tournament champions stretched their win streak to 19 since the inaugural edition of the regional meet in 2019.
Riding the momentum of a bronze medal finish in Leg 1 and a series of player changes, Alas had more than a few reasons to hope for a stronger showing against the Thais.
Creamline’s champion duo of Galanza and Alas skipper Jia de Guzman made their on-court reunion for the first time since they last saw action together as Cool Smashers in 2023 PVL Invitational Conference.
Other PVL aces from Alas’ array of stars in Eya Laure and Faith Nisperos, who topscored for Alas with six points each, also gave it a proper go but that went for naught as reigning SEA V.League MVP and best outside hitter Chatchu-on Moksri took the Thais to the finish line.
It was also Moksri’s set-clinching attack in Set 2 that doubled Thailand’s edge and halted an Alas run after back-to-back set points were saved by Belen and Solomon.
Another shot at redemption is in order for the Philippines when it takes on a T4-less Vietnam on Friday, 4 p.m. Manila time.
Back in the first leg, best opposite hitter Nguyen Thi Bich Nguyen and Co. survived a tough challenge by a gutsy Alas side that fell short in four hard-fought sets.
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