MANILA — Host nation Thailand proved to be too much to handle as Alas Pilipinas Women absorbed a straight-set loss in their first match at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games on Thursday.
Alas Women suffered an 11-25, 17-25, 16-25 setback against the defending champions, and are now in a must-win situation against Singapore, scheduled for Friday, December 12.
READ: Alas Pilipinas Women brace for powerhouse Thailand in SEAG volleyball
After a slow start, the Nationals kept themselves in the fight in second frame until the 17-16 mark—when the Jia de Guzman-captained squad even had the slim lead.
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However, a stunning 9-0 finishing blitz was all the Thais needed to put away Alas Women in the second frame, despite a gusty stand from the Filipinas.
Alyssa Solomon and company could not break Thailand's momentum, as the hosts moved to a 1-0 card after taking control of the last frame, while the visiting side fell to 0-1.