Brooke Van Sickle turned heads in her first game donning the national colors, offering a glimpse of what’s to come for the retooled Alas Pilipinas Women’s squad.
Despite falling to regional powerhouse Vietnam in straight sets, 20-25, 21-25, 21-25, on Sunday, the Filipinas showed flashes of brilliance in their opening match at the 2025 VTV Women’s International Cup at the Vinh Phuc Gymnasium.
Taking the floor just 15 days after their runner-up finish in the 2025 AVC Volleyball Nations Cup, Alas Pilipinas—now with a refreshed 14-player lineup—continued to test its chemistry and cohesion against a more seasoned Vietnamese side that has emerged as one of Asia’s top teams in recent years.
Van Sickle, a high-flying outside hitter making her much-anticipated national team debut, immediately made her presence felt, combining with Leila Cruz to give the Nationals an 18-16 edge in the opening set.
The Filipinas’ energy and aggressive play kept Vietnam on their heels early, but the home squad responded with a clinical 9-2 finishing kick, led by the duo of Vo Thi Kim Thoa and Tran Thi Thanh Thuy, to steal the set.
Despite the setback, the Filipinas refused to back down. Vietnam jumped ahead in Set 2 with a 19-12 lead behind sharp attacks from Tran Thi Bich Thuy, but Alas Pilipinas mounted a spirited rally.
Van Sickle continued to shine with a smart tool off the block, while Dell Palomata’s service ace and a miscue from Vi Thi Nhu Quynh brought the deficit down to just two, 21-19. The rally, however, fell short as the hosts leaned on their veterans to close the door.
In the third frame, MJ Phillips, another new addition, provided a spark in the middle, knotting the score at 15-all. The Filipinas stayed within striking distance behind contributions from Alleiah Malaluan, who came alive late with two crucial attacks. But a key 5-1 spurt by Vietnam opened a gap that Alas Pilipinas couldn’t bridge.
Though they start the tournament with a 0-1 record in Pool A—alongside Vietnam, Australia, and Chinese club Sichuan Wuliangchun—the Philippines showed that it is a team on the rise, with several young guns and fresh faces eager to learn, adjust, and compete at the highest level.
Joining Van Sickle in this new-look lineup are returning names like Maddie Madayag, Tia Andaya, Justine Jazareno, Mars Alba, Amie Provido, and Lams Lamina—all aiming to grow together as a core moving forward.
Alas next faces Sichuan Wuliangchun on Monday at 5:30 p.m., with eyes set on a bounce-back performance.
Vietnam, now at 2-0 after sweeping Australia in their opener, remains the team to beat in Pool A.
They will look to complete a group stage sweep when they face Sichuan on Tuesday.
