Peter Jandrei Melan

Alas Pilipinas extended its winning streak and secured a spot in the semifinals of the 2025 VTV International Women’s Volleyball Cup with an emphatic straight-sets victory over Thailand’s Est Cola, 25-17, 25-21, 25-21, at the Vinh Phuc Gymnasium in Vietnam, July 3.

Photo Courtesy of USports.

Riding the momentum of back-to-back wins in the group stage, the Philippine women's national volleyball team delivered a composed and well-rounded performance against the young but competitive Thai squad in their knockout quarterfinal match.

Vanie Gandler led the charge with 12 points, while Brooke Van Sickle chipped in 10, as the Filipinas steadily dismantled the Est Cola defense with a balanced offensive attack and solid floor coverage. 

Filipino-American mainstays MJ Phillips and Van Sickle continued to anchor the middle, while Leila Cruz and Gandler provided steady scoring from the wings. Eya Laure, returning to the lineup after missing two matches due to illness, added firepower to an already potent rotation.

The Filipinas showed poise under pressure, especially in the third set, where both teams were knotted at 14-all. 

Alas pulled ahead with a 6-1 scoring run to take a 20-15 lead, capitalizing on Est Cola’s service and reception errors. 

Though the Thais fended off three match points, a costly service error after a Philippine timeout ended their hopes of a comeback, sealing the match in just over 90 minutes.

The win marked Alas Pilipinas' third straight victory in the tournament, following a bounce-back campaign in the preliminary round where they defeated China’s Sichuan Wuliangchun in four sets and swept Australia. 

With a 2-1 record in Pool A, they finished second behind host Vietnam and carried their strong form into the do-or-die quarterfinal.

Est Cola, meanwhile, entered the quarters after placing third in Pool B with a 1-2 slate and were missing their top gun, Kuttika Kaewpin, who was called up to Thailand’s senior national team for the Volleyball Nations League. 

Despite her absence, Est Cola remained dangerous with key contributions from outside hitter Kwannaphat Nualwan and opposite Papatchaya Phontham, but they were ultimately outplayed by the more experienced and cohesive Alas Pilipinas side.

With the victory, Alas Pilipinas reached the VTV Cup semifinals for the first time under the national banner since 2023, when PVL club Choco Mucho represented the country and claimed the bronze medal.

The Filipinas now face their toughest challenge yet — a semifinal clash against undefeated defending champions Korabelka of Russia on Friday (Philippine time). 

The Russian squad, boasting height, depth, and international experience, breezed past Australia in their quarterfinal match and will pose a serious threat to the Philippine squad’s title hopes.

A victory would send the Philippines to the VTV Cup final for the first time, while a loss would relegate them to the bronze medal match. Either way, Alas Pilipinas remains in strong contention for a podium finish.