Alas Pilipinas falls to Vietnam, bows out of FIVB Challenger Cup

Alas Pilipinas bowed out of contention in the FIVB Challenger Cup after falling short to Vietnam, 25-14, 25-22, 25-21 on Friday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila.

Only the winner of each match in the tournament quarters will advance to the next round.

The national women's volleyball team showed signs of hope in the third set as it led 18-17 after a Sisi Rondina point, and Thea Gagate eventually put the Philippines in front, 19-18.  Vanie Gandler tied the set at 20 but Vietnam proved to be the steadier team with four straight points to reach match point. Gandler salvaged a match point, but Vietnam eventually put the exclamation point to the straight sets victory.

Thi Bich Tuyen Nguyen led Vietnam with 30 points from 27 attacks and three blocks, while Thi Thanh Thuy Tran had two points.

Sisi Rondina led Alas in scoring with 15 points, while Angel Canino added 12 points.

Puerto Rico and Belgium will go against each other in the semis on Saturday, while Vietnam will face Czechia.

The winner of the Challenger Cup will earn a ticket to the 2025 Women’s Volleyball Nations League.

—JMB, GMA Integrated News