Philippines drops four-setter vs host Vietnam in SEA VLeague opener

A youth-laden Philippine national women's volleyball team fell prey to Asian powerhouse Vietnam, 15-25, 25-19, 21-25, 9-25, to kick off its campaign in the first leg of the 2023 SEA VLeague on Friday in Vietnam.

After getting the second set against the hosts bannered by veteran wing spiker Tran Thi Thanh Thuy, or more popularly known as T4, the Philippines continued to put up a fight in the fourth as the double block of Minierva Maaya and Mhicaela Belen denied the Vietnamese star, 6-15.

But world no. 47 Vietnam pulled away for good with team captain Thuy taking advantage of an overpass from the Philippines to deliver the game-winning point, 25-9.

The Philippines will look to bounce back from the loss as it takes on another powerhouse Thailand on Saturday at 5 p.m.

The nationals are bolstered by the core of UAAP Season 84 champion National University as well as some players from Ateneo and UP.

—Bea Micaller/JMB, GMA Integrated News