Alas Pilipinas shone brightly in the 2024 Southeast Asia V-League first leg, not only securing a bronze medal but also excelling in individual awards.
Jia De Guzman took home the Best Setter award, while Thea Gagate bagged a Best Middle Blocker trophy.
De Guzman, an eight-time Premier Volleyball League Best Setter with Creamline, led the Philippines to another podium finish just three months after winning bronze in the 2024 AVC Challenge Cup held in Manila.
Meanwhile, Gagate, the historic first-ever top overall pick in the PVL Draft with ZUS Coffee, was honored with the Best Middle Blocker award alongside Vietnam’s Dinh Thi Tra Giang.
(C) SAVA
The awarding ceremony took place after Thailand’s five-set victory over Vietnam on Sunday evening. Earlier, Alas Pilipinas secured the bronze with a 25-23, 15-25, 25-23, 25-21 win over Indonesia.
Chatchu-on Moksri was named the Most Valuable Player after leading Thailand to its sixth-straight championship. She also earned a spot as one of the Best Outside Spikers, along with teammate Ajcharaporn Kongyot.
Vietnamese sensation Nguyen Thi Bich Tuyen received the Best Opposite award, while Thailand’s Piyanut Pannoy was recognized as the Best Libero.
The second leg of the competition will be held from August 9 to 11 in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand.
De Guzman and Gagate became the fifth and sixth Filipinos to receive individual recognition in SEA V.League history, joining Alyssa Solomon (2023 second leg Best Opposite), Kyla Atienza (2022 Best Libero), Dawn Catindig (2019 second leg Best Libero), and Majoy Baron (2019 first and second leg Best Middle Blocker).
