Alas Pilipinas Women fended off a third-set push from Singapore to complete a dominant 25-13, 25-8, 25-18 sweep, clinching a semifinal berth in the 33rd Southeast Asian Games on Friday at the Indoor Stadium Huamark in Bangkok.
Coming off a straight-set loss to defending champion Thailand, the Philippines bounced back strong, finishing second in Pool A behind the unbeaten Thais (2-0). With a 1-1 record, the Filipinas advanced to their fifth consecutive semifinals appearance in the biennial meet.
Ahead by just one late in the third, the La Salle trio of Angel Canino, Amie Provido, and Mars Alba sparked a crucial 4-0 run that stretched a narrow 14-13 edge to an 18-13 cushion—ultimately putting the match out of reach for Singapore.
Bella Belen, who struggled in her debut yesterday, teamed up with Canino and Alyssa Solomon to secure a lopsided 25-13 opening-set win that set the tone for the rest of the match.
Riding the momentum, Alas raced to an 18-10 lead in the second frame before Shaina Nitura, Vanie Gandler, and Provido ignited a 7-0 blast that placed the Filipinas firmly in control and just one set away from victory.
