Bangkok, Thailand — Defending and record 14-time champions Thailand overpowered a spirited Philippines in straight sets to top Pool A and secure their place in the semifinals of the 33rd SEA Games Women’s Volleyball Tournament at Huamark Indoor Stadium on Thursday.
In Pool B, Vietnam and Indonesia also made it two wins in a row after commanding straight-set victories over Malaysia and Myanmar, respectively. Their flawless performances ensured both sides a berth in the semifinals, setting the stage for a highly anticipated showdown between the two in their final preliminary clash on Friday.
Thailand, fresh from a 3-0 sweep of Singapore on Wednesday, fielded a formidable lineup featuring Chatchu-On Moksri, Pimpichaya Kokram, Thatdao Nuekjang, Sasipapron Janthawisoot, and veteran setter Pornpun Gerdpard. The Philippines, anchored by opposite hitter Alyssa Jae Solomon, who recently joined Osaka Marvelous in Japan’s S.V.League, entered the court determined to challenge the hosts.
Pimpichaya and Sasipapron proved unstoppable, spearheading Thailand’s charge with explosive attacks and solid blocking as they cruised through a one-sided 25-11 opening set.
World No. 46 Philippines, six-time SEA Games champions and silver medallists at this year’s AVC Nations Cup, regrouped well in the second set. Playing with renewed grit, they kept pace with the hosts and leveled the score at 17-17. Thailand soon regained their rhythm, however, pulling ahead at 19-17 before shutting the door on the visitors to seal the set, 25-17.
With the Philippines struggling to maintain momentum, Thailand turned the screws in the third set. A sharp ace from Pimpichaya sealed a 25-16 finish, completing the sweep in style.
Pimpichaya led all scorers with 14 points from 11 spikes, two blocks, and an ace, while Chatchu-On and Sasipapron added 11 points apiece. Solomon topped the scoring for the Philippines with nine points.
“We played with our full squad today and prepared thoroughly for the Philippines. We studied their system from the SEA V League. Everyone contributed and gave everything we had,” Pimpichaya said after the match.
Thailand wrapped up the preliminary round atop Pool A with a perfect six points from two matches, advancing to the semifinals, where they will face either Vietnam or Indonesia.
Earlier in Pool B, world No. 28 Vietnam, three-time consecutive AVC Nations Cup champions and three-time SEA Games silver medallists, rested key players including captain Tran Thi Thanh Thuy, outside hitter Nguyen Thi Uyen, middle blocker Tran Thi Bich Thuy, and veteran setter Vo Thi Kim Thoa. Even so, they breezed past Malaysia in a completely one-sided encounter, winning 25-8, 25-5, 25-3.
VTN Quỳnh tallied 11 points from nine attacks, one block, and one ace, while Nguyen Thi Uyen and Le Nhu Anh contributed 10 points each. No Malaysian player reached double figures, with Pua Ee Ling managing five points in a valiant but futile effort.
“It was an easy match for us today, but we face stronger opponents tomorrow. Indonesia are a very good team, so we must prepare well, especially our combinations and connections,” said Vietnam captain Tran Thi Thanh Thuy.
In the day’s second Pool B fixture, Indonesia continued their impressive run, cruising past Myanmar 25-10, 25-12, 25-12.
Megawati Hangestri Pertiwi delivered a standout performance, scoring 15 points from eight attacks, one block, and an impressive six aces. Mediol Stiovanny Yoku and Syelomitha Afrilaviza Injilia Wongkar chipped in 10 and seven points, respectively.
Indonesia dominated in all departments, leading in kills (43–18), blocks (7–1), and aces (11–0), although Myanmar capitalized on slightly more Indonesian errors (15–14).
With two straight victories each, Vietnam and Indonesia sit comfortably atop Pool B with six points, their semifinal spots already secured. Their head-to-head clash on Friday will determine who finishes first.
Also on Friday, Myanmar will face Malaysia in the final Pool B matchup, while in Pool A, Singapore will battle the Philippines for the remaining semifinal berth.