Alas Pilipinas suffered its second consecutive loss, falling to defending champion Thailand in straight sets, 18-25, 21-25, 19-25, in the second leg of the 2024 Southeast Asia V.League on Saturday at the UNY Sports Complex in Yogyakarta.
The Philippines still has a chance to claim bronze when they take on fellow winless team Vietnam tomorrow.
The Filipinos managed to stay close to the Thais early in the opener, but Thailand went on a six-point run, capped off by a back-row hit from Chaiwat Thungkham, turning a narrow 13-12 lead into a 19-12 advantage on their way to a quick 1-0 set lead.
Alas Pilipinas put up a better performance in the second set, finding themselves tied with Thailand at 18-all.
However, Kissada Nilsawai, Napadet Bhinijdee, and Anut Promchan combined for a 6-2 run that gave Thailand a 24-20 lead. Jade Disquitado saved a point for the Philippines, but Nilsawai responded with a quick attack to secure a 2-0 lead.
The third set followed a similar pattern, with the Thais pulling away midway through the frame to clinch the victory.
The Philippines, coming off a 24-26, 11-25, 15-25 loss to host Indonesia, will face Vietnam on Sunday at 4:00 p.m. at the same venue.
Meanwhile, Thailand improved to 2-0 and will compete against Indonesia for the championship later in the day.
