Alas Pilipinas Women’s Justine Jazareno stood out as the Philippines’ lone awardee in the second leg of the 2025 SEA V.League, clinching the Best Libero award on Sunday evening in Ninh Binh, Vietnam, against some of Southeast Asia’s top defensive specialists.
The former De La Salle University standout earned her first-ever individual accolade — local or international — cementing her place among Asia’s elite liberos. She proved her mettle against powerhouse squads such as Vietnam, Thailand, and Indonesia.
Jazareno’s rock-solid defense played a key role in the Nationals’ straight-sets sweep of Indonesia, 25-17, 25-17, 28-26, securing Alas Pilipinas Women’s fourth consecutive bronze medal in the annual regional tournament.
Currently playing for Akari in the Premier Volleyball League, the 24-year-old libero from Lipa City outshone Vietnam’s Nguyen Khanh Dang, Thailand’s Piyanut Pannoy, and Indonesia’s Tasya Aprili Putri to claim the honor.
She also earned a spot on the leg’s Dream Team, joining some of the most celebrated names in both Southeast Asian and Asian volleyball.
Overall, the Nationals capped the tournament with two bronze medals and two individual awards, boosting their confidence ahead of tune-up matches against World No. 10 Dominican Republic as they prepare for the 2025 SEA Games in December.
In other award highlights, Vietnam’s Nguyen Thi Bich Tuyen emerged as the tournament’s Most Valuable Player and Best Opposite Hitter, leading her squad to end Thailand’s six-year reign in the competition.
Vietnam’s historic triumph came in dramatic fashion, as they pulled off a reverse sweep over Thailand — 17-25, 24-26, 25-17, 25-22, 16-14—to clinch their first-ever SEA V.League title.
Also for Vietnam, Vi Thi Nhu Quynh bagged Best Outside Spiker, while Tran Thi Bich Thuy secured her second straight Best Middle Blocker award.
Thailand still made its mark, with Pornpun Guedpard taking Best Setter, Chatchu-on Moksri earning Best Outside Spiker, and Thanapan Wimpnrat claiming Best Middle Blocker honors for her steady performance.
