Russia's towering Korabelka eliminates gutsy Alas Filippines from VTV Cup championship pursuit
The Philippines' Alas Pilipinas will compete in the bronze medal match of the 2025 VTV Cup volleyball tournament, following their loss in the semifinals to the reigning champions Korabelka (Russia-based club). The bronze medal match will pit Alas Pilipinas against the loser of the semifinal match between Chinese Taipei and host nation Vietnam.
The semifinal encounter between Alas Pilipinas and Korabelka was a closely contested affair, with Alas Pilipinas showing great resilience, particularly in the second set where they managed to win in extended play with a score of 27-25. However, Korabelka ultimately emerged victorious with a 4-set win, 25-16, 25-27, 25-17, 25-22.
In the fourth set, Alas Pilipinas managed to stay within two points of Korabelka, with Lams Lamina getting her team back within 23-21 off an ace in the set. However, Alleiah Malaluan, a reserve player for Alas Pilipinas, miscued late in the set, leading to a crucial 21-18 breakaway for Korabelka. Anastasia Cherniaeva, a player for Korabelka, then reached match point with a block-buster kill, 24-21, in the fourth set.
Despite the loss, Alas Pilipinas has shown competitive form throughout the tournament, having previously beaten Australia and Sichuan Wuliangchun. If they manage to win the bronze medal match, it would mark a significant achievement for the team.
The outcome of the bronze medal match depends heavily on the result of the remaining semifinal match between Chinese Taipei and Vietnam. If Chinese Taipei wins, they will face Alas Pilipinas in the bronze medal match, while if Vietnam wins, they will contest the bronze medal with the Philippines. Notably, Vietnam has previously beaten the Philippines in this tournament's earlier stage, which suggests a tough matchup if Vietnam reaches the bronze medal match.
Regardless of the outcome of the other semifinal match, Alas Pilipinas has one more match to reach the podium, and they will be aiming to do so with determination and grit. The bronze medal match will take place on Saturday, July 5, in Phu Tho, Vietnam.
Alas Pilipinas has shown impressive sportsmanship throughout the VTV Cup volleyball tournament, earning their place in the bronze medal match despite their loss to Korabelka in the semifinals. If they manage to win the bronze medal match, it would undoubtedly be a significant accomplishment for the team, especially considering their competitive form and previous wins against notable opponents like Australia and Sichuan Wuliangchun.
