MANILA, Philippines — Team Philippines surrendered a heart-breaking five-setter loss, 25-21, 23-25, 19-25, 25-20, 8-15, against Vietnam in the Southeast Asian Games Women’s Volleyball opener on Tuesday, 03 December 2019, in Philsports Arena.

Vietnam’s Tran Thi Thanh Thuy was too much for the hosts to overcome as the Vietnamese skipper let loose a game-high 27 points, while notching 13 excellent digs and 13 excellent receptions.

Anchored on solid defense at the net and the floor, the Philippines opened the match splendidly, not until Tran started to heat up and delivered the goods for Vietnam.

Alyssa Valdez carried the scoring load for the Philippines with 22 points and 13 receptions, while Majoy Baron scored 3 of her 10 points off blocks.

Ces Molina and Jovelyn Gonzaga produced 12 markers each. They also collected 11 excellent digs for another double-double outing that went down the drain.

The national team will be tested again in their next assignment as they face the 12-peat seeking Thailand on December 5 at the same venue. (Lloyd Tagbago/IAMIGO/CNS)