Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand, August 1, 2025 – Hosts Thailand and Vietnam launched their campaigns in the 5th SEA V League Women’s Week 1 with contrasting victories at Terminal Hall inside the bustling Terminal 21 Korat Shopping Mall on Friday. As Thailand labored to tame a vastly-improved Philippines in four sets, Vietnam stormed past Indonesia in a one-sided affair to claim a flawless straight-set win.
In a gripping clash, world No.20 Thailand were pushed to the limit by world No.47 Philippines, which showcased their rapid development and newfound confidence following their silver-medal finish at this year’s AVC Nations Cup in Hanoi. Despite falling 1-3 (25-17, 24-26, 20-25, 20-25), the Filipinas earned praise for their spirited display and resilience.
Opting to rest key players Pimpichaya Kokram and Ajcharaporn Kongyot, Thailand fielded Sasipaporn Janthawisut and Thanacha Suksod to open the match. However, the combination failed to click, with the team plagued by unforced errors and erratic reception.
The Philippines, spearheaded by the energetic duo of Eya Laure and Alyssa Jae Solomon, capitalized on Thailand’s sluggish start to stun the home side and claim the opening set 25-17, marking the first time in six years the Filipinas had taken a set from Thailand in SEA V League history.
In the inaugural edition in 2019, the Thai team beat Philippines 3-1 in Week 1 at Terminal Hall here, but from then until 2024, Thailand pulled off 3-0 win in all matches against Philippines in the SEA V League.
With their backs against the wall, Thailand brought out their big guns in Pimpichaya and Ajcharaporn. The change sparked a shift in momentum as the home side mounted a comeback. Although the Philippines remained composed and even held set point at 24-23, Thailand dug deep and held their nerve to clinch the fiercely-contested second set 26-24.
From there, Thailand tightened their grip on the match, finding rhythm in attack and improved coordination in both offense and defense. Pimpichaya was instrumental, unleashing a barrage of powerful hits, while Ajcharaporn and Warisara Seetaloed provided vital support. The hosts secured the next two sets 25-20, 25-20 to wrap up the hard-earned 3-1 win.
“We saw clearly what didn’t work today,” said Thailand’s experienced setter Pornpun Guedpard. “But it’s the first step. If we learn from these mistakes and improve in the next match, it’s a good start.”
Thailand head coach Kiattipong Radchatagriengkai was quick to commend the Philippines’ significant growth:
“I would like to congratulate the Philippines on their impressive improvement in every aspect – tactics, technique, and overall team chemistry. This match was anything but easy. In fact, it was one of the toughest we’ve faced. Our sideouts weren’t efficient in the first set, and our attack and blocking weren’t up to standard. We’ll need to recalibrate and prepare better for our next encounter against Indonesia.”
Pimpichaya led the charge with 18 points from 17 attacks and one ace, followed by Ajcharaporn with 13 and Warisara 12 respectively. For the Philippines, Solomon delivered a stellar performance with a match-high 20 points from 16 kills, two blocks, and two aces.
Despite the defeat, the Filipinas emerged with heads held high, having pushed the reigning seven-time champions to their limit and earning widespread respect for their courageous effort.
Thailand next face Indonesia, while the Philippines take on Vietnam in a much-anticipated rematch of this year’s AVC Nations Cup final.
Earlier in the day, Vietnam turned in a commanding performance against Indonesia, dispatching the world No.50 in straight sets (25-11, 25-11, 25-22) to open their campaign in emphatic fashion.
Led by dynamic captain Tran Thi Thanh Thuy and the versatile Hoang Thi Kieu Trinh, Vietnam imposed their authority from the outset. The first two sets were a masterclass in control and consistency, as Vietnam raced to identical 25-11 victories with powerful serves, crisp combinations, and near-flawless execution.
With the match all but secured, Vietnam introduced several substitutes in the third set, including Vu Thi Kim Thoa, Pham Thi Hien, and Nguyen Thi Uyen. Indonesia, anchored by Megawati Hangestri, mounted a determined fightback, staying level at 21-21. But Vietnam, composed and clinical, allowed just one more point before sealing the deal 25-22.
Tran Thi Thanh Thuy and Kieu Trinh scored 12 points apiece to lead Vietnam, while Arsela Nuari Pumama and Megawati chipped in 11 and 10 points respectively for Indonesia.
With the Day 1 wins, Vietnam and Thailand collected 3 points apiece, though the former sit atop the standings with a superior set ratio. The Philippines and Indonesia currently occupy third and fourth spots, respectively.
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