Alas Pilipinas falls short vs defending champs Korabelka in VTV Cup semis

Alas Pilipinas fell short against Russian club Korabelka, 25-16, 25-27, 25-17, 25-22, in the semifinals of the VTV Cup on Friday in Vietnam.

The women's national volleyball team was trailing 19-17 in the fourth set before an attack by Vanie Gandler put the Philippines closer. The Russians, however, scored three straight to widen the gap, 22-18. An attack error by Korabelka added another point for the Philippines, before the Russians scored another one after a challenge confirmed a block touch from the Philippine side.

Alas recovered after back-to-back attack errors from the Russians to inch closer, 23-21, but Korabelka eventually sealed the victory.

With the loss, the Philippines was relegated to the battle for third on Saturday against the loser of the match between Vietnam and Chinese Taipei.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News