Alas Pilipinas' third set rally not enough in sweep loss to Vietnam

Alas Pilipinas staged a third set fightback but mishaps in the endgame proved costly for the Filipinas, succumbing to powerhouse Vietnam in straight sets, 25-16, 25-20, 25-22, in the second leg of the 2024 SEA V. League on Saturday in Thailand.

The loss sank the Philippines to a 0-2 hole after also losing to Thailand on Friday night. 

The wards of Jorge de Brito were in control in the third frame, cruising to a 15-13 lead following net violation from Vietnam but the 2024 AVC Challenge Cup champions unleashed three straight points to retake the lead at 16-15. 

Eya Laure forced an 18-all deadlock, but Vietnam once again stepped on the gas pedal with a 4-0 outburst capped by a one-man block on Laure that saw them zooming to a 22-18 cushion. 

Faith Nisperos tried to rally the Filipinas, unloading two consecutive kills from the opposite side before a quick attack from Vietnam sent them to the match point, 24-20. 

Bella Belen and Cherry Nunag once again pumped life to Alas after powering a quick 2-0 run, but the former went wide on her serve that allowed Vietnam to avert collapse and book the victory. 

Nisperos emerged as the lone Alas player to reach double digit mark after she poured in 12 points while Laure and Sisi Rondina chipped in eight and six markers apiece. 

Middle blockers Fifi Sharma and Thea Gagate each tallied five points. 

Alas Pilipinas, which ended the first leg as the bronze medalist, will look to end the second leg on a high note on Sunday against Indonesia. 

—JKC, GMA Integrated News