Solomon secures Best Opposite plum

Alyssa Solomon made sure that Alas Pilipinas will not go home empty-handed as she emerged as the Best Opposite Spiker in the Southeast Asian V Cup Leg 1 late Sunday at Dong Anh Gymnasium in Hanoi.

The individual citation came despite the Philippines bombing out of the medal podium after finishing fourth following a 20-25, 25-19, 25-22, 25-16 loss to Indonesia in the bronze medal match.

It was Solomon’s second Best Opposite Spiker award in the SEA V Cup after winning the honor in Leg 2 of the 2023 edition when her school, National University, represented the country.

Thailand reclaimed the Leg 1 title with a dominant 25-18, 25-17, 25-14 sweep of host Vietnam in the championship match.

Sasipaporn Janthawisut was named Most Valuable Player after spearheading Thailand's unbeaten campaign.

She also earned one of the Best Outside Spiker awards, while teammates Natthanicha Jaisaen (Best Setter) and Kaewkalaya Kamulthala (Best Middle Blocker) joined her on the Mythical Team.

Vietnam's Vi Thi Nhu Quynh was named the other Best Outside Spiker, Indonesia's Rara Maradanti claimed the second Best Middle Blocker award, and Vietnam's Nguyen Khan Dang was recognized as Best Libero.

Alas Pilipinas looks to bounce back in Leg 2 in Thailand from 7 to 9 August as it continues its buildup for the 20th Asian Games in Japan next month.