Alas Pilipinas returned to form on Friday, Dec. 12, with a decisive 25-13, 25-8, 25-18 victory over Singapore at the Indoor Stadium Huamark in Bangkok. The win earned the Philippines a slot in the women’s volleyball semifinals of the 33rd Southeast Asian Games and restored momentum after an opening loss to Thailand.

The national squad displayed a sharper rhythm on both ends, using an aggressive start to dictate the first two sets. The bounce-back result gave the team a 1-1 finish in Group A and kept its campaign alive as it chases its first SEA Games women’s indoor volleyball medal since 2005.

Young standouts Alyssa Solomon, Angel Canino, Bella Belen, Shaina Nitura and Amie Provido powered the Philippines throughout the match. Their quick scoring and steady floor defense carried the team through long rallies, helping secure a fifth straight semifinal appearance for the program.

Solomon said the group treated the match as a chance to immediately correct the lapses they encountered against the host nation. She noted that the team saw improvements but still expects tougher tests ahead as it prepares for the knockout round.

Philippines cleans up early errors in convincing response

The Philippines took full command in the opening frames, minimizing miscues while applying consistent pressure at the net. Singapore struggled to sustain its attack as the Filipinas pulled away behind strong serving runs and quick middle hits.

The second set proved the most dominant stretch of the match. Nitura and Provido delivered key points during a late surge that widened the cushion and sealed a 2-0 advantage. Their energy off the bench helped stabilize the rotation and allowed the coaching staff to spread minutes across the lineup.

Singapore managed to keep pace early in the third set, briefly trimming the deficit before the Philippines regrouped to build a 21-15 edge. The closing stretch featured four straight points from the Filipinas, capped by a Maddie Madayag strike that wrapped up the sweep.

Semifinal opponent to be determined

The Philippines now awaits the winner of the match between Indonesia and Vietnam to determine its semifinal challenger on Sunday. Thailand topped Group A and will face the second-ranked team from Group B.

Veteran winger Eya Laure was sidelined for the second straight match due to a minor abdominal strain suffered in training. She is expected to return in time for the semifinal encounter as the Filipinas look to maintain their upward trend in the tournament.