Alas Pilipinas get reality check vs Thailand, face must-win clash against Singapore

Alas Pilipinas walked into the Hua Mark Indoor Stadium carrying hope, momentum, and the belief that this new generation could finally test Thailand’s long-standing dominance. Instead, they were met with the harshest reminder of what it takes to challenge a 14-time SEA Games champion: precision, depth, and a gear the Philippines has yet to match consistently.

In just 73 minutes, the hosts delivered a masterclass, sweeping the Filipinas 11–25, 17–25, 16–25 in a one-sided opener that exposed the gap between an established powerhouse and a rebuilding contender searching for its identity.

The loss extended the Philippines’ drought against Thailand to five straight SEA Games meetings dating back to 2017, all of them ending in straight sets — a streak the Nationals had hoped to finally break with the arrival of their revamped lineup.

Instead, it became a night of tough lessons.

Alyssa Solomon and Angel Canino combined for 17 points, showing the firepower expected of them, but the offense struggled to find rhythm under the weight of Thailand’s relentless pace and net control.

For head coach Jorge Souza de Brito, whose young group has been groomed for long-term growth rather than instant results, the message remained rooted in belief:
“The first match in this SEA Games is not the way we expected, but we have a lot to deliver for the country, still,” he said.

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Tough start, but the fight isn’t over!
Alas Pilipinas bows to the 16-time champions Thailand in their SEA Games opener (11-25, 17-25, 16-25).

But there is no time to dwell on the loss, the road to the Final Four is still open. The team must win against Singapore tomorrow… pic.twitter.com/RNruVXefo3

— Volleytrails (@volleytrails) December 11, 2025

Thailand wasted no time imposing its tempo, jumping to a 6–1 lead before unleashing a 15–4 closer that turned the opening set into a lopsided sprint. The Filipinas were left scrambling, unable to neutralize Thailand’s first-ball efficiency or generate sustained rallies.

The second set, however, briefly hinted at what Alas could become when its composure holds.

Thailand’s string of service errors — eight free points in total — allowed the Philippines to stay within reach. When Solomon fired a crosscourt kill and Thai star Ajcharaporn Kongyot misfired soon after, the Filipinas seized a surprising 17–16 edge.

But the glimpse of life vanished quickly. Thailand answered with a brutal nine-point finish, snatching back control in a way only a dynasty team could.

The third set saw the most spirited effort from the Filipinas. Solomon and Canino sparked late aggression, while team captain Jia de Guzman and Bella Belen contributed three points each in stabilizing spurts.

SEA Games newcomer Shaina Nitura, along with Dell Palomata and Amie Provido, found small scoring moments, while Maddie Madayag and Vanie Gandler added one point apiece.

But every run came with a Thai rebuttal. Pimpichaya Kokram (14 points), Chatchu-on Moksri (11), and Sasipapron Janthawisut (11) kept the hosts comfortably ahead, shutting the door on every rally that hinted at a comeback.

With Thailand cruising toward yet another title bid, Alas now faces the real pivot point of its campaign: a do-or-die group match against Singapore on Friday at 6:30 p.m. (Manila time).

A win keeps the semifinals within reach; a loss sends them into the classification phase.

For a program trying to build upward, Singapore represents more than just the next opponent — it’s the first real measure of whether this new version of Alas can reset, regroup, and respond under pressure.

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