Indonesia exacted revenge on Alas Pilipinas, snapping the Filipinas’ four-match bronze medal streak in the SEA V Cup with a 20-25, 25-19, 25-22, 25-16 victory to close the first leg of the 2026 tournament on Sunday at Dong Anh Gymnasium in Vietnam.
The win was a long-awaited breakthrough for the Indonesians, who had lost to the Philippines in each of their previous four SEA V Cup meetings.
Alas Pilipinas appeared headed toward forcing a deciding fifth set after keeping pace with Indonesia early in the fourth frame. However, the Indonesians erupted for a decisive 12-3 finishing run from a 13-all deadlock to secure their first SEA V Cup podium finish since 2023.
(c) SAVA
Bella Belen’s off-the-block attack that trimmed the deficit to 20-15 proved to be the Philippines’ final point of the match. Indonesia responded with five unanswered points, with Belen’s attack sailing long to bring up match point before she was stuffed at the net on the next rally to seal the victory.
The loss also marked the first time the Filipinas failed to reach the SEA V Cup podium since 2023, when they finished fourth.
Niña Ytang led Alas Pilipinas with 14 points, while Best Opposite Spiker Alyssa Solomon and Belen chipped in 13 and 12 points, respectively.
The Filipinas came out strong in the opening set, leaning on their middle blockers to establish control.
Ytang sparked a pivotal 4-0 run with three points, turning a 19-18 deficit into a 22-19 lead. Dell Palomata then scored three of the team’s final five points to help the Philippines take the opening frame.
Indonesia responded emphatically in the second set as Alas Pilipinas struggled to regain its rhythm. The Indonesians took advantage of their efficient attacking and improved floor defense to level the match at one set apiece.
(C) SAVA
The third set remained tightly contested until Indonesia broke away late. Arsela Nuari Purnama, Ersandrina Devega, and Rara Maradanti fueled a crucial 4-0 run that stretched a slim 18-17 lead into a 22-17 cushion. That allowed Indonesia to withstand the Philippines’ late push and move within a set of the bronze medal.
Purnama finished with 18 points to lead Indonesia, while Medi Yoku and Chelsa Nurtomo contributed 16 points each.
The second leg of the 2026 SEA V Cup begins on August 7 in Chiang Mai, Thailand, where Alas Pilipinas will open its campaign against host Thailand at 4:30 PM.
