A streak that had defined Alas Pilipinas Women’s consistency in the SEA V Cup finally came to an end.
For four straight tournaments, the Filipinas had walked away with the bronze medal. On Sunday in Hanoi, Indonesia made sure that the run stopped there.
Indonesia completed its redemption story by defeating Alas Pilipinas, 20-25, 25-19, 25-22, 25-16, in the bronze medal match of the first leg of the 2026 SEA V Cup at Dong Anh Gymnasium, finally breaking through after four consecutive losses to the Philippines in the regional tournament.
The result not only handed Indonesia its first SEA V Cup podium finish since 2023, but also knocked the Filipinas off the medal stand for the first time in two years.
Alas looked poised to extend its podium streak after claiming the opening set behind a dominant performance from its middle blockers.
Niña Ytang ignited a crucial momentum swing midway through the first frame, scoring three points during a 4-0 run that erased a one-point deficit and turned it into a 22-19 advantage. Dell Palomata then closed the set in style, delivering three of the Philippines’ last five points to secure the early lead.
But the momentum gradually shifted.
Indonesia found its rhythm in the second set, tightening its floor defense while becoming more efficient on offense to level the match.
The third set turned into a tug-of-war before the Indonesians landed the decisive blows. Arsela Nuari Purnama, Ersandrina Devega, and Rara Maradanti engineered a pivotal late-game surge, stretching a narrow 18-17 edge into a commanding 22-17 cushion that ultimately gave Indonesia a 2-1 lead.
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SALAMAT SA LABAN, ALAS
The Alas Pilipinas Women settle for fourth place after bowing to Indonesia in four sets to wrap up their Leg 1 campaign, as the Indonesians return to the regional podium for the first time in three years.#AlasPilipinas #SEAVCup #SEAVLeague pic.twitter.com/Bdmck5SZdL
— One Sports (@OneSportsPHL) August 2, 2026
Still, the Filipinas refused to fold.
The fourth set remained within reach early on, with both teams locked at 13-all. But just when Alas seemed ready to force a deciding fifth frame, Indonesia delivered the knockout punch.
The Indonesians overwhelmed the Filipinas with a stunning 12-3 closing run that left little room for a comeback.
Bella Belen briefly kept the Philippines alive with an off-the-block attack that cut the deficit to 20-15, but it turned out to be the team’s final point. Indonesia answered with five straight points to finish the match, with Belen’s attack sailing long to bring up match point before another swing was denied at the net to officially end the contest.
Ytang paced Alas Pilipinas with 14 points, while Alyssa Solomon, who was named Best Opposite Spiker of the tournament, added 13 markers. Belen also finished in double figures with 12 points.
Indonesia, meanwhile, leaned on a balanced attack led by Purnama’s 18 points, while Medi Yoku and Chelsa Nurtomo chipped in 16 points apiece.
Although the opening leg ended in disappointment, Alas Pilipinas will have little time to dwell on the setback.
The Filipinas now shift their focus to the second leg of the SEA V Cup, which begins on August 7 in Chiang Mai, Thailand, where they will immediately face host nation Thailand in their opening assignment as they look to return to the podium.
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