Alas Pilipinas put up a stronger fight but ultimately fell to the six-time Southeast Asia V.League champions and host team Thailand in their second leg opener on Friday in Nakhon Ratchasima, losing in straight sets, 18-25, 23-25, 16-25.
Thailand, who remains undefeated in the tournament's history, extended their remarkable winning streak to 19 games with the victory.
The match was an improvement for the Filipinas compared to their first leg encounter, where they were decisively beaten by Thailand, 25-12, 25-18, 25-10.
Alas Pilipinas showed resilience, particularly in the second set. Trailing 21-24, Thea Gagate and Alyssa Solomon delivered consecutive points, with Gagate executing a quick swipe and Solomon following up with an ace, bringing them within striking distance.
However, reigning Most Valuable Player Chatchu-on Moksri kept her composure, sealing the set with a powerful through-the-block kill, giving Thailand a 2-0 lead.
The Philippines entered the second leg with momentum after finishing third in the first leg, capped off by a big win against Indonesia.
However, they now find themselves with a 0-1 record to start this phase of the competition.
In a strategic move, head coach Jorge de Brito adjusted his lineup for this match, inserting Julia Coronel and Faith Nisperos into the starting rotation in place of last leg’s Best Setter Jia De Guzman and Best Opposite Alyssa Solomon.
Alas Pilipinas will look to bounce back as they face Vietnam tomorrow at 4 p.m., before concluding the leg with a match against Indonesia on Sunday.
