Hanoi, 8 August 2026 – Vietnam’s women’s volleyball team endured a second consecutive defeat at the SEA V.Cup 2026 after surrendering a one-set lead to lose 3-1 against the Philippines in their second match of the tournament on Friday.
Following their opening loss to Indonesia, captain Tran Thi Thanh Thuy and her teammates entered the match determined to bounce back and restore confidence. They made an encouraging start by taking the opening set 25-22.
The first set was closely contested early on, but Vietnam gradually gained control through solid blocking and more effective attacking play. Star players Thanh Thuy and Bich Thuy led the offense with a series of decisive spikes, helping head coach Nguyen Thi Ngoc Hoa’s side edge ahead and claim the opening set.
The momentum, however, shifted dramatically in the second set.
The Philippines responded strongly, with both teams trading points throughout a tense finish. Vietnam remained in contention until the closing moments but a costly blocking error allowed the Filipinas to snatch the set 25-23, leveling the match at one set apiece.
The third set belonged largely to the Philippines, who raced into an early lead and never looked back. Vietnam struggled to establish any rhythm in attack, while setter Dinh Thi Van found it difficult to consistently connect with her hitters. Although Vietnam briefly narrowed the gap, the Philippines maintained control to take the set 25-21 and move within one set of victory.
Vietnam fought hard to force a deciding fifth set in the fourth, but once again found themselves chasing the game. Despite trailing by two points late in the set, Thanh Thuy and Pham Quynh Huong inspired a spirited comeback, helping Vietnam erase a 20-22 deficit to level the score at 22-22.
The Philippines, however, held their nerve during the decisive moments. They claimed the final three points of the match to seal a 25-22 victory in the fourth set, completing an impressive 3-1 comeback.
The defeat leaves Vietnam still searching for their first win of the second leg of the SEA V.Cup 2026 after back-to-back losses to Indonesia and the Philippines. Head coach Nguyen Thi Ngoc Hoa and her squad will now be eager to regroup quickly as they look to avoid finishing the tournament without a victory.
VSN/RPT
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