Alas Pilipinas have been knocked down to the battle for third in the VTV Cup 2025 after yielding to defending champions Korabelka in four sets.
Alas Pilipinas put up a gallant stand but fell short against defending champions Korabelka, 16-25, 27-25, 17-25, 22-25, in the semifinals of the 2025 VTV Cup on Friday night, July 4, at the Vinh Phuc Gymnasium in Vietnam.
The Filipinas snatched a thrilling second set, highlighted by Alleiah Malaluan’s clutch attack to even the match at 1-1 and briefly shift the momentum in their favor.
However, the taller and more seasoned Russian squad reasserted control in the next two frames, applying consistent pressure at the net and capitalizing on Alas’ errors.
A close 8-9 deficit in the fourth quickly ballooned after a 6-0 Korabelka run that effectively dashed the Filipinas’ hopes of forcing a decider.
But Alas Women would not go away that easily, going on a 6-1 run to cut the deficit to just a single point at 14-15 after Amie Provido’s dump.
The Philippine squad tried to keep it close. However, the Russians simply had too much firepower and eventually regained a four-point lead, which would be enough to seal the win.
Despite the defeat, Alas Women remain in contention for a podium finish and will now compete in the bronze medal match against the loser of the other semifinal pairing between hosts Vietnam and Chinese Taipei.