Alas Pilipinas during a game against China’s Sichuan in the VTV International Women’s Cup in Vietnam.–Photo from usports
MANILA, Philippines — Alas Pilipinas vented its ire on China’s Sichuan, 25-12, 25-22, 19-25, 25-15, to capture its first win in the VTV International Women’s Cup on Monday at Vinh Phuc Gymnasium in Vietnam.
Less than 24 hours after getting swept by host Vietnam, the Philippines came out firing with debutants Brooke Van Sickle and Leila Cruz leading the way anew.
SCHEDULE: Alas Pilipinas at the VTV International Women’s Cup
Van Sickle continued to dazzle for the Philippine team, which improved to 1-1 in Pool A.
MJ Phillips also sustained her fine form, conniving with her Petro Gazz teammate for the second straight game.
Cruz, a reserve in the team’s silver medal finish in the AVC Nations Cup, continued to be a revelation for Alas as its starting opposite hitter, while Vanie Gandler was the match difference maker after starting for the squad.
After losing steam in the third, Alas was quick to get its act together in the fourth with Van Sickle and Phillips helping the Nationals build a commanding 19-12 advantage.
Gandler and Palomata delivered the finishing touches for Alas.
READ: Alas Pilipinas loses to Vietnam anew in VTV Cup opener
Team captain and setter Jia De Guzman had another day in the office, pacing the new-look Alas, as liberos Justine Jazareno and Dawn Catindig took care of the floor.
The Nations Cup runner-up took a 22-15 spread in the second set off Phillips’ two consecutive points and Van Sickle’s ace.
However, Sichuan cut it down to one after blocking Gandler, 23-22. Van Sickle came to the rescue with a backrow kill, as Gandler sealed a two-set lead, scoring off a floating ball.
The Filipino spikers lost steam in the third as Sichuan dragged them to another set after a dominant performance.
READ: Brooke Van Sickle leads Alas Pilipinas pool for VTV Cup
Alas dominated the opening set as Van Sickle helped mount a 23-11 spread en route to a 13-point beatdown.
The Philippines seeks to wrap up its Pool A campaign with another win against Australia (0-2) on Tuesday at 3 p.m.
Sichuan slid to 1-1, following a four-set win over Australia on Sunday.
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The Chinese club battles Vietnam also on Tuesday.
