Tag: Vietnam

Alas tormentor Vietnam bags bronze in FIVB Challenger Cup

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Vietnam celebrates during a victory over Belgium to bag the bronze in the FIVB Challenger Cup in Manila.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines–Vietnam stunned Belgium, 25-23, 23-25, 25-20, 25-17, to salvage the bronze medal in the 2024 FIVB Women’s Volleyball Challenger Cup on Sunday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila.

Ace hitter Nguyen Thi Bich Tuyen exploded for 35 points on 34 hits as the Vietnamese, world No. 34, stood their ground in completing an upset of the world No. 13 Belgians.

The win made up for Vietnam’s 19-25, 14-24, 19-25, loss against world No. 16 Czechia in the semifinals to become the only Asian squad in the podium.

READ: Vietnam star T4 all praises for Alas Pilipinas, Jia De Guzman

It’s a strong follow-up to the Vietnamese’ championship last May in the Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Challenge Cup, which was also hosted by the country led by the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) president Ramon “Tats” Suzara at the nearby Rizal Memorial Coliseum.

Vietnam, which eliminated host Alas Pilipinas in the quarterfinals with a 25-14, 25-21, 25-22 win, made it happen with the support from Nguyen Thi Trinh and skipper Tran Thi Thanh Thuy, who chipped in 10 and seven points, respectively.

“I’m very happy for this win and I’m very proud of my teammates. We have a good connection and we did well today,” said Thuy, dubbed as T4 in the volleyball community.

Tran Thi Thanh Thuy

Vietnam’s Tran Thi Thanh Thuy during the bronze medal game against Belgium in the FIVB Challenger Cup.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

READ: Alas Pilipinas loses to Vietnam, bows out of FIVB Challenger Cup

Save for a close second-set defeat, it was all Vietnam in the duel against the European bet that also bowed out in the semifinals of the tourney backed by global partners Mikasa, Gerflor and Senoh and local partners PLDT, Rebisco, Manila Diamond Hotel, Philippine Olympic Committee, Philippine Sports Commission, Meralco, MWell, Cignal, Fitness First, Maynilad and Foton.

Belgium absorbed a 19-25, 15-25, 16-25 loss against world No. 15 Puerto Rico in the other pairing to settle for a bronze medal match to no avail.

Manon Stragier, Pauline Martin, Britt Fransen had 14, 13 and 11 points, respectively, for the Belgians in a commendable fourth-place finish.

Puerto Rico and Czechia were to play at press time for the Challenger Cup title and the coveted promotion ticket to the elite Volleyball Nations League (VNL).



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Courageous Alas Pilipinas runs smack into brick Vietnam wall to bow out

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Sisi Rondina leads Alas Pilipinas in scoring in the loss. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

Alas Pilipinas gave it a gallant go on Friday night but still fell to powerhouse and world No. 34 Vietnam, 25-14, 25-22, 25-21, to bow out of contention after just one game in the FIVB Challenger Cup at Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

Thi Bich Tuyen Nguyen demolished the Philippine defense and came away with 30 points, all but three of them on attacks as the Vietnamese closed the doors on the Filipinos while advancing to another knockout game opposite the Czech Republic slated Saturday.

Sisi Rondina had 15 points, Angel Canino contributed 12 and the Filipinos played their hearts out defensively but still couldn’t solve the Vietnamese puzzle. Vietnam, the recent AVC Challenge Cup champion where Alas finished an all-time best third place, has beaten the Philippines in all of their matches for the last three years running.

“During a huddle, Jia (de Guzman) told us to not think of anything else and just show what we can do,” Rondina said in Filipino as the squad bowed out with its head held high. “Even if we fell short, our fight was still there and we gave it our best until the end.”

Still a good fight

The 24-year-old Nguyen was a one-woman wrecking machine that the Filipinos had no answer to as she drilled the cross court kill that put the Vietnamese at match point.

Still, it was a good fight that the Philippines put up, as it even led by a point late in the third set with De Guzman orchestrating the offense well and Fifi Sharma and Thea Gagate manning the net with some authority.

The loss ended Alas Pilipinas’ bid to qualify for the Volleyball Nations League next year, even as the Czechs will have a chance to keep on playing after scoring a 25-15, 25-22, 25-16 win over Argentina in the first game.

Belgium and Puerto Rico will battle it out in the other semifinal pairing after sweeping their respective opponents on opening day.

Canino looks at the loss in a different way.

“Like what I always say, we really didn’t lose,” said Canino, the AVC Challenge Cup Best opposite spiker. “We won’t be going home defeated because we always learn something, especially now that we fought Vietnam [hard].

“So we feel like we know where we are at and what else we can improve on as a team.”

Alas’ next tournament will be the Southeast Asia V.League in August where it would be looking to bounce back.



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“We really wanted [to continue playing in the next few days] because we were given time to prepare even though it was [still] short,” Canino added. “You may not see it, but the dedication of everyone was there so we really wanted to play in this tournament longer.”

Alas Pilipinas loses to Vietnam, bows out of FIVB Challenger Cup

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Alas Pilipinas against Vietnam in the FIVB Challenger Cup quarterfinals. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

Thi Bich Tuyen Nguyen and Vietnam shut the doors on Alas Pilipinas’ hopes of qualifying for the Volleyball Nations League next year after a 25-14, 25-22, 25-21 victory Friday night in the FIVB Challenger Cup at Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

Tuyen peppered the Filipinas with 30 points built on 27 attack points and three blocks to show Alas the exit after just one game in the knockout quarterfinals.

“We are very grateful that we faced Vietnam. We learned a lot, realized many things we still need to improve on, and of course, we are very happy because many people watched, especially our fellow Filipinos here in the Philippines. So, I am thankful for all the support,” Sisi Rondina said.

HIGHLIGHTS: Alas Pilipinas vs Vietnam FIVB Challenger Cup

Rondina led the hometown bets with 15 points, all from attacks, with Canino backing her up with 12 points, all but one from kills.

Middle blockers Fifi Sharma and Thea Gagate added six and five points respectively for the world No. 55 hosts.

Sisi Rondina leads Alas Pilipinas in scoring in the loss.

Sisi Rondina leads Alas Pilipinas in scoring in the loss. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

“Earlier during the huddle, Ate Jia [de Guzman] just said that we shouldn’t think about anything else, just show what we can do. We know we have abilities that they don’t have, and even if we fell short, the fight is still there. Of course, it’s about not giving up,” Rondina added.

“As I always say, you never go home a loser because you learn something, you always learn something, especially now that we faced Vietnam,” Canino said.

READ: Alas Pilipinas hit with reality check ahead of Challenger Cup

Already down by two sets and giving its all to try and extend the match and somehow take the game from behind, Alas managed to tie the deciding frame at 14-all with Vanie Gandler’s attack from back row.

Rondina put her all into a cross-court hit to knot the game again at 16-all before Alas took the lead for the first time since the first set at 18-17 as Gagate rose for a quick hit.

But Tuyen was not going to allow the visitors to sink and wasted no opportunity to carry Vietnam on the verge of victory, 24-20.

Gandler squeezed in an attack through the block before Rondina committed a deadly attack error that sailed out and ultimately handed Vietnam a ticket to the semifinals opposite Czech Republic, which moved on with a straight sets win over Argentina earlier in the day.

The other semifinal bracket will feature Belgium and Puerto Rico.



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“Facing Vietnam was a huge opportunity and a lesson for us because experiences like that don’t happen often in our lives or with our team. We learned a lot of lessons inside the court,” Canino said.

Sisi Rondina soaks in lessons from Alas Pilipinas loss to Vietnam

On: By: admin


Sisi Rondina leads Alas Pilipinas in scoring in the loss against Vietnam in FIVB Challenger Cup. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — Sisi Rondina stood tall against the Vietnamese leading the gallant stand of Alas Pilipinas in the last two sets only for their FIVB Women’s Volleyball Challenger Cup campaign to end after just one game.

Rondina led Alas’ charge with 15 points, especially in keeping Vietnam within striking distance but the Filipinos still absorbed a 14-25, 22-25, 21-25 loss after her missed attack in the final set Friday evening before a soldout Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

The former PVL MVP chose to look at the bright side of the loss, soaking in the learnings from regional power Vietnam, which will stand in the way of Alas Pilipinas’ quest to win a medal in the 2025 Southeast Asian Games.

HIGHLIGHTS: Alas Pilipinas vs Vietnam FIVB Challenger Cup

“We are extremely grateful that we faced Vietnam; we learned a lot. There are many areas where we still need to improve,” said Rondina. “We are very happy because many people watched, especially our fellow Filipinos here in the Philippines. I am thankful for all the support.”

The 5-foot-6 spiker from Choco Mucho never wavered against the taller Vietnamese as she had a couple of through-the-block kills and spikes above her blockers, fueled by the motivation of team captain Jia De Guzman.

“Ate Jia just said that we shouldn’t think about anything else. We just need to show what we can do, and we know we have abilities that they can’t match. Even if we fell short, the fight was still there,” she said.

READ: Alas Pilipinas loses to Vietnam, bows out of FIVB Challenger Cup

Rondina was convinced with the team’s improvement with some key additions and more preparation time despite missing Eya Laure and Jen Nierva in the tournament. 

“We improved especially in our skills and weakness because of all the advice our coaches gave us,” she said. 

Rondina and Alas will head to Japan next week for a training camp before seeing action in the SEA V.League in August.



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Vietnam star T4 all praises for Alas Pilipinas, Jia De Guzman

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Vietnam star Thi Thanh Thuy Tran, popularly known as T4, in a game against Alas Pilipinas in the FIVB Challenger Cup. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIREr.net

MANILA, Philippines — Trần Thị Thanh Thúy had nothing but praises for Alas Pilipinas, especially setter Jia De Guzman, after their showdown in the FIVB Women’s Volleyball Challenger Cup.

Thuy, dubbed as T4, returned to action from injury and only scored two points but still made a huge impact for Vietnam, which eliminated the host Philippines, 25-14, 25-22, 25-21, on Friday at Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

“The Philippines’ performance is very well because they have a good connection with the setter,” said Thuy, who checked in midway through the second set and started in the third.

HIGHLIGHTS: Alas Pilipinas vs Vietnam FIVB Challenger Cup

“[It was] a very interesting match-up because she played in Japan and she played a lot. So I think it was a good match.”

De Guzman has been instrumental in Alas’ improvement with the eight-time PVL Best Setter sharing her experience from the Denso AiryBees in the Japan V.League with her younger teammates.

Alas Pilipinas' Jia de Guzman in a game against Vietnam in the FIVB Challenger Cup.

Alas Pilipinas’ Jia de Guzman in a game against Vietnam in the FIVB Challenger Cup. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

Besides Alas’ vastly improved game compared to their past international duels, Thuy admitted she felt a little nervous playing in front of an ecstatic Filipino crowd.

“Before the match,  [I’m] a little scared because playing in the Philippines you have the audience very enthusiastic [so] I’m very nervous. So we have to try to relax, focus, and enjoy the game,” she said.

READ: Alas Pilipinas loses to Vietnam, bows out of FIVB Challenger Cup

The Vietnamese star, who didn’t play in their title run in the AVC Challenge Cup Manila last May, said she’s not yet at a 100 percent but she’s thrilled to share the court with her teammates again.

“I felt a little nervous when I got back because I’m not in my 100 percent so I just try my best to have fun again with the team,” said Thuy.



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Thuy and Vietnam battle Czechia in a knockout semifinal on Saturday, seeking to inch a step closer to the Volleyball Nations League.

Alas Pilipinas vs Vietnam FIVB Challenger Cup

On: By: admin


 FIVB Challenger Cup 2024 schedule of games July 5

Ninoy Aquino Stadium

3pm –  Czechia Republic vs Argentina
6:30pm – Philippines vs Vietnam

SCHEDULE OF PH GAMES HERE.

Alas Pilipinas’ Jema Galanza won’t play libero in Challenger Cup

Jema Galanza with fellow Alas Pilipinas players Cherry Nunag and Dell Palomata. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — After initially being listed as libero, Jema Galanza is back to her original position as an outside spiker in the FIVB Challenger Cup on Friday at Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

Two days before their knockout game against AVC Challenge Cup champion Vietnam, Alas Pilipinas coach Jorge Souza De Brito said that Galanza will no longer have to play as libero following a minor foot injury during their preparation.

“She is [doing] better and she’s ok. She will be a regular player,” De Brito told Inquirer Sports. FULL STORY

Missing players, reassigned roles hit Alas Pilipinas with reality check

Alas Pilipinas during a VNL meet and greet at Mall of Asia Arena.

Alas Pilipinas during a VNL meet and greet at Mall of Asia Arena.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

Coming off the high of a historic achievement, Alas Pilipinas is beginning to feel some of the problems of maintaining a high-profile national pool.

Luckily, the women’s program has a few reinforcements coming its way.

National University (NU) ace and UAAP two-time MVP Bella Belen and multi awarded spiker Jema Galanza will bolster Alas Pilipinas when it takes on Vietnam on Thursday in the Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Challenger Cup at Ninoy Aquino Stadium. FULL STORY

After VNL success, PH plays host anew as Challenger Cup fires off

Team USA vs Japan Volleyball Nations League (VNL) 2024 Filipino crowd

FILE–A general view of the crowd during a game between Team USA and Japan in the VNL 2024 at Mall of Asia Arena.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines looks to continue its string of successful hosting gigs with the FIVB Volleyball Challenger Cup (VCC) for Women from Thursday to Sunday at Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila.

Behind the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF), the country will be hosting a third straight international competition this year with the VCC, which serves as a qualifier for the Volleyball Nations League.

Alas Pilipinas will see action in the VCC when it clashes with Vietnam in a knockout game on Friday at 6:30 p.m. following the 3 p.m. match between Argentina and the Czech Republic. FULL STORY



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