Alas Pilipinas Women opened their 33rd Southeast Asian Games campaign with a tough loss to powerhouse Thailand.
Alas Pilipinas Women absorbed a tough start to their SEA Games 2025 campaign after bowing to powerhouse Thailand in straight sets, 11-25, 17-25, 16-25, on Thursday, December 11, at the Indoor Stadium Huamark in Bangkok.
Facing the region’s long-time queens and reigning 14-time champions, the Filipinas showed stretches of resistance but ultimately could not keep pace with Thailand’s consistency, experience, and firepower in front of a roaring home crowd.
It was the same early hurdle the Philippines has faced for decades in Southeast Asian competition. Once again, Thailand’s depth and composure proved too much to overcome for this opening match of Pool A.
Team captain Jia De Guzman, along with spikers Angel Canino and Alyssa Solomon tried to spark the offense, but Thailand's Pimpichaya Kokram and Ajcharaporn Kongyot were a tough task to handle.
Alas Women now shift their focus to Singapore on Friday, December 12, as they look to secure a spot in the semifinals.
The national team is looking to end the country’s 20-year podium drought in women’s volleyball.
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Kiko Demigillo’s journey in sports storytelling began with a deep passion for games and athletes, which eventually grew into a full-fledged career.
Now a dedicated sportswriter, Kiko covers a wide range of beats for One Sports, including the PVL, UAAP, PBA, and various international tournaments.