BANGKOK, Thailand — Alas Pilipinas leaned on its young guns in dismantling Singapore, 25-13, 25-8, 25-18, to punch a fifth straight semifinals stint in the 33rd Southeast Asian Games women’s indoor volleyball Friday at the Indoor Stadium Huamark here.
Alyssa Solomon, Angel Canino, Bella Belen, Shaina Nitura and Amie Provido provided the spark as Alas rebounded from a straight sets loss to defending champion Thailand the day before for a 1-1 win-loss record finish in Group A.
The Philippines, looking to end a 20-year medal drought, will battle in the knockout semifinal on Sunday the winner between Group B squads Indonesia (2-0) and Vietnam (2-0), still playing as of press time.
“Super happy with our win today but we still have to prepare well for the semifinals. We have a lot more to improve on,” Solomon said.
Alas was in full control of the first two sets, had a scare in the third before eventually restoring order to rebound from an 11-25, 17-25, 16-25 loss to the 15-peat-seeking Thais.
“Our eagerness to win showed especially after a disappointing result yesterday. That’s not the result we wanted but we’re able to bounce back,” Solomon added.
Thailand finished as the top seed in the group and will face the No. 2-ranked squad in Group B.
Singapore closed the pool play with a 0-2 mark.