Alas Pilipinas put on a brave fight but ultimately fell short against Vietnam, 23-25, 25-20, 22-25, 21-25, in the first leg of the 2024 Southeast Asian (SEA) V. League on Friday night, Aug. 2. 

The Jorge de Brito-coached Philippines led for most of the match against the host nation but couldn’t totally pull away from Vietnam which has been its tormentor in previous regional tournaments including some medal contention. 

The annual meet will see the Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand and Indonesia vie for another morale boosting medal tournament among themselves which has been split into two legs. 

After their four-set loss against the Vietnamese, the Filipinas are set to take on Thailand on Saturday, Aug. 3 at 5 p.m. and are expected to give it all against the neighboring volleyball powerhouse. 

Two-time UAAP Best Opposite Spiker Alyssa Solomon finally made her debut for Alas for the first time since initially begging off from national duty due to a minor knee injury during the 2024 AVC Women’s Challenge Cup last May. 

Solomon’s teammate Bella Belen, meanwhile, made her second stint with Alas after previously seeing action in the FIVB Women’s Volleyball Challenger Cup last month alongside Angel Canino, who asked to be relieved of duties to focus on De La Salle this time. 

The Philippines has been showing great promise since the newly established Alas Pilipinas captured a historic bronze medal finish in any AVC-sanctioned competition to prove the importance of continued national team program. 

However, de Brito had to make some tough decisions before the tournament kicked off which saw him wind up cutting Jema Galanza and Cherry Nunag from the main squad. 

The Creamline outside hitter and Choco Mucho middle blocker were placed on the reserve list while skipper Jia Morado led the way for the Philippines in another hope-filled campaign. 

Alas Pilipinas will conclude Leg 1 of the competition against Indonesia on Sunday, Aug. 4 at 5 p.m. before heading to a five-day lull to do it all over again in Leg 2 which is slated from Aug. 9 to 11 against the same foes.