Alas Pilipinas Women can clinch a semifinal berth with a win over Singapore in their must-win SEA Games 2025 showdown.
Alas Pilipinas Women aim to keep their medal hopes alive and secure an outright semifinal berth when they face Singapore in a crucial Pool A showdown at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games on Friday, December 12, at the Indoor Stadium Huamark in Bangkok.
The Filipinas are looking to quickly recover from their opening-day defeat to 14-time defending champion Thailand, who dealt them an 11-25, 17-25, 16-25 reality check.
Featuring nine SEA Games debutants and three first-time main scorers in Angel Canino, Alyssa Solomon, and Bella Belen, still Alas struggled to keep pace with the region’s long-time queens.
But there were bright spots for the team, particularly in the second set, where Canino, Solomon, and captain Jia de Guzman led an inspired push that briefly tested the Thai defense.
Against Singapore, the stakes are far clearer, as a win sends the Philippines straight into the semifinals, keeping their 20-year medal drought within striking distance.
Canino is expected to play a major role in that pursuit. The DLSU superstar put up eight markers against Thailand’s towering frontline.
Alongside fellow young guns Solomon and Belen, she anchors a youthful but hungry attacking group eager to redeem itself.
While Alas Women are favored to win the match, the national team must stay focused to keep their SEA Games journey — and dream of a podium return — very much alive.
First serve is set for 4:00 p.m. (Manila time).
(With reports from Kiko Demigillo/One Sports)
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[Editor’s note: This article was written by a member of the One Sports Digital with the help of AI, and then checked by the staff to ensure accuracy.]