Pinay spikers bow to host Vietnam in straight sets, but book place in bronze medal match

The Philippine women's volleyball team could not get its rhythm going against host Vietnam, absorbing a 25-23, 25-19, 25-17 straight sets loss at the 31st SEA Games on Thursday in Hanoi, Vietnam.

The Filipinas blew a slim 22-20 lead in the opening set as the Vietnamese regained the lead, 23-22, before a scramble on their side gave the hosts the set point.

Alyssa Valdez hit one from the opposite side but Vietnam, the 2019 SEA Games silver medalist, closed out the set at 25-23.

The Philippines continued to struggle in the second set as Vietnam erected a huge 20-14 cushion before a quick touch from middle blocker Dell Palomata made it an 18-23 disadvantage for the Filipinas.

However, an erring block from Palomata gave Vietnam a 2-0 set lead with a 25-19 second set conquest. They never recovered from two sets down as Vietnam took control of the third en route to booking a gold medal rematch against Thailand.

The Philippines still has a chance for a podium finish as they will tangle with Indonesia in the battle for bronze on Saturday.

—JMB, GMA News