The Alas Pilipinas Women’s team could not recover from their loss in the AVC Nations Cup 2025 Finals, as they fell once again to Vietnam in the VTV Cup 2025 opener on Sunday in Vinh Phuc province. Vietnam sealed the match with a score of 20-25, 21-25, 21-25.
Vietnam quickly recovered in the first set from 18-19, recording a 7-1 run thanks to Trần Thị Thanh Thúy, who showcased a running attack and a service ace. The Vietnamese blockers also gave a hard time to spikers Dell Palomata and Eya Laure, and the set was concluded with an ace by Nguyễn Thị Bích Tuyền.
In the second set, the Philippines rallied from 18-11 and closed the gap to 21-19. However, Vietnam quickly regained momentum and secured the set point after Brooke Van Sickle was blocked. MJ Phillips managed to save one set point following a play with Jia de Guzman, but a drop ball by Nguyễn ended the set at 25-21.
In the third set, the match was close at 15-all, but Vietnam continued to score until 18-15, and the Alas couldn't catch up. Before the game ended, Alleiah Malaluan and Leila Cruz of the DLSU Lady Spikers showcased their skills, adding points for the team.
The next opponent of Alas Pilipinas will be Sichuan Wuliangchun of China in Pool A on Monday.
