From cellar dweller to contender–what a difference a year makes.
Alas Pilipinas Women are headed to the semifinals of the 2025 VTV International Volleyball Cup after a commanding straight-sets victory over Thailand’s Est Cola, 25-17, 25-21, 25-21, on Thursday at the Vinh Phuc Gymnasium in Vietnam.
It’s a dramatic rise for the Philippines–now represented by the national team–which finished at the bottom of the standings last year. This time, they’re guaranteed a spot on the podium—and they’re not done yet.
Alas came out firing in the first set, building a 21-13 cushion behind crisp passing and high-energy offense. Thailand, sending a youthful lineup, struggled to recover from the early onslaught.
The second set saw Est Cola fight back, taking a 9-6 lead. But Brooke Van Sickle shifted the momentum by sparking a 6-0 scoring run, and Eya Laure—who had to deal with some illness in recent days–closed the set with a stinging service ace to keep Alas in full control.
Thailand pushed hard in the third, hoping to extend the match with an early four-point lead. But Vanie Gandler and MJ Phillips powered through with a 6-1 burst, swinging the advantage back to the Filipinas. Tied at 14-all, Alas pulled away for good and sealed the sweep.
Alas next faces defending champion Korabelka of Russia in Friday’s semifinals, looking to eclipse Choco Mucho’s bronze finish from 2023 and push for gold.
From afterthought to a threat, Alas Pilipinas is rewriting its story—one win at a time.
