Vietnamese star Nguyen Thi Bich Tuyen proved to be too much for Alas Pilipinas.
The Philippines’ dreams of making it to the Volleyball Nations League (VNL) were shattered on Friday night after Vietnam knocked them out in straight sets, 14-25, 22-25, 21-25, in the FIVB Challenger Cup quarterfinals at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
“I’m very proud of the girls talaga kasi nakita ko naman na lahat lumaban, every point. And until the end, binigay pa rin talaga namin yung best namin,” said team captain Jia De Guzman after the loss.
After a slow start in the opener, Alas Pilipinas came alive in the second set through the efforts of Angel Canino, Bella Belen, Sisi Rondina, and Fifi Sharma.
The trio kept the Philippines within striking distance against the reigning AVC Challenge Cup champions.
Vietnam tried to pull away late, taking a 22-18 lead after an off-the-block attack from Tuyen. But Alas Pilipinas answered back with Thea Gagate, Rondina, and Canino combining for a 4-1 run that narrowed the lead to just one point, 22-23.
However, Canino committed a service error in the ensuing play, while Sharma’s attack was blocked, giving Vietnam a commanding 2-0 lead.
The third set proved to be the closest, with Vanie Gandler providing the spark for the Nationals, who eventually tied the score at 20-all in hopes of extending the crucial match.
Nevertheless, Tuyen dominated, scoring three points in a 4-0 burst to push Vietnam to match point, 24-20.
Rondina’s crucial attack error sealed the Philippines’ fate.
“Maganda rin makita kasi sa team namin na kahit naghahabol kami, or napupuntusan kami ng malakas, everyone’s really communicating and adjusting in-game. So, dun nakikita na nagi-improve din yung chemistry namin paunti-unti, in the long run,” said De Guzman.
Tuyen delivered a game-high 30 points on 27 attacks and three blocks to lead Vietnam to the semifinals, where they will face Czechia.
On the other hand, Rondina top-scored for Alas Pilipinas with 15 points, all from attacks, while Canino contributed 12 points in the loss.
Fifi Sharma added six points.
Meanwhile, Thea Gagate and Vanie Gandler chipped in five and four points, respectively.
