By KRISTEL SATUMBAGA
The Philippines absorbed another beating, this time at the hands of Indonesia, 25-20, 25-17, 25-21, in Leg 1 of the Southeast Asia V.League at the Vinh Phuc Gymnasium in Vietnam on Sunday, Aug. 6.
The Nationals, composed of collegiate standouts, put up a gallant fight but their efforts were still not enough to stop Indonesians’ onslaught, finishing the four-nation tournament winless.
Alyssa Solomon and Bella Belen topscored for the Nationals with 16 and 15 points.
They first bowed to Vietnam, 25-15, 19-25, 25-21, 25-9, before yielding to Thailand, 25-19, 25-7, 25-17.
Indonesia, for its part, finished the leg with a 1-2 card with Budiarti Hany leading the assault with 17 points including 15 attacks.
Two other players scored in twin figures for the Indonesians with Stiovany Yoku Mediol firing 15 points and Siti Nur Fadhilah Wilda chipping in 11 points.
Meanwhile, Thailand displayed its prowess and edged Vietnam, 22-25, 25-20, 28-26, 25-17, to rule the leg.
Moksri Chatchu-On and Kongyot Ajcharaporn flexed their offensive might and combined for 39 kills to finish with 24 and 20 points, respectively.
Ajcharaporn was later adjudged the Most Valuable Player apart from winning the Best Outside Hitter.
