Facing a significantly bolstered Thailand side, Alas Pilipinas stumbled out of the gates in the second leg of the 2026 SEA V Cup, falling 19-25, 17-25, 19-25 on Friday at Chiang Mai Stadium.
The Filipinas had no answer for a Thailand side reinforced by the return of veterans Pornpun Guedpard, Pimpichaya Kokram, and Chatchu-On Moksri, as the hosts wasted no time imposing their dominance.
Thailand caught fire offensively in the opening set behind the playmaking brilliance of the 33-year-old Guedpard. The team tallied 18 attack points while closing on a 6-2 run to turn a slim 19-17 lead into a 25-19 victory and take a 1-0 lead.
(C) SAVA
The Thais, who won their ninth SEA V Cup title in the opening leg, carried that momentum into the second set. Holding a slim 5-4 lead, Thailand unleashed a 12-3 blast, capped by an Erika Santos error, to build a commanding 17-7 advantage.
Alas Pilipinas, which absorbed its fourth consecutive loss in the tournament, never recovered from the huge deficit. Thailand cruised to a two-set lead, moving just one frame away from another convincing victory.
The Philippines put up a much stronger fight in the third set, staying within striking distance until the midway point. However, a couple of errors by Alyssa Solomon fueled a 4-0 run for the Thais, allowing the hosts to erase a 13-12 deficit and build a 16-13 advantage.
Thailand never looked back from there, maintaining its cushion the rest of the way to complete the straight-set sweep.
(C) SAVA
Nina Ytang paced Alas Pilipinas with eight points on six attacks and two blocks, while Solomon had six markers. Dawn Catindig finished with 18 excellent digs and four excellent receptions.
Eya Laure and Santos each added five points.
The Philippines will look to bounce back on Saturday when it takes on Vietnam in search of its first win of this year’s tournament.
For Thailand, Janthawisut Sasipapron and Pimpichaya Kokram led the way with 10 points apiece.
