Vietnam’s women’s volleyball team suffered a 3-1 defeat to the Philippines in their second match of Leg 2 of the 2026 SEA V.Cup, leaving them with virtually no chance of challenging for the title.

Vietnam made an encouraging start against the Philippines but could not sustain their momentum, eventually falling to a 3-1 defeat after four fiercely contested sets.

The loss was Vietnam’s second in a row in Leg 2 of the tournament, following their painful 3-2 defeat to Indonesia in the opening match, when they surrendered a two-set lead. With two consecutive losses, coach Nguyen Ngoc Hoa’s team have virtually dropped out of the title race, while even a runner-up finish has become increasingly difficult.

Vietnam initially struggled with serve reception and backcourt coverage as the Philippines raced into an early lead in the opening set. Kim Thanh was blocked on consecutive attacks, forcing coach Ngoc Hoa to call a timeout with her team trailing 3-7.

Vietnam gradually found their rhythm. Captain Tran Thi Thanh Thuy and Luu Thi Hue combined effectively at the net, while Quynh Huong provided attacking power from position four. The team closed the gap before Kim Thanh’s block brought the score level at 11-11.

The momentum began to shift. After falling behind 13-15, Vietnam scored consecutive points following a timeout and continued to put pressure on the Philippines. A fortunate net cord followed by a delicate tip from Thanh Thuy eventually put Vietnam ahead 19-18.

Ly Thi Luyen then produced a crucial block before Thanh Thuy struck off the opposing block as Vietnam stretched their advantage to 23-19. The Philippines eventually sent the ball out on set point, handing Vietnam a 25-22 victory.

The Philippines responded strongly in the second set. Vietnam continued to chase their opponents, with Quynh Huong, Bich Thuy and Dinh Thi Van contributing important points as the contest remained tight.

Thanh Thuy powered an attack through the block during a long rally, while Anh Thao later produced a successful block to bring Vietnam level at 19-19.

The Philippines, however, proved more composed in the closing stages and moved ahead 23-21. Vietnam refused to give in. Bich Thuy attacked successfully from position two and followed it with a block as the Vietnamese side saved two set points.

Their resistance ended when setter Kim Thoa sent a block out of bounds, allowing the Philippines to take the set 25-23 and level the match at 1-1.

Vietnam then endured a disastrous start to the third set. The Philippines raced into a 7-1 lead, prompting an early timeout from coach Ngoc Hoa, and continued to dominate to establish a 14-7 advantage.

Solomon’s powerful cross-court attack helped the Philippines stretch their lead to seven points, and Vietnam found themselves trailing 10-18.

Luu Thi Hue finally stopped the Philippines’ scoring run with a block before immediately following it with an ace. Vietnam then put together four consecutive points, forcing their opponents to call a timeout.

The Vietnamese players continued fighting and reduced the deficit to 19-22, but the early gap proved too large to overcome. The Philippines held on to win 25-21 and moved within one set of victory.

Facing a must-win fourth set, Vietnam came out with renewed determination and initially edged ahead 4-3.

The Philippines gradually regained control, however, at one stage opening up a four-point advantage. Vietnam continued to chase, with Le Thuy Linh and Quynh Huong among those keeping the team in contention.

Despite standing only 1.72m tall, Quynh Huong impressed at the net with a well-timed block as Vietnam fought their way back to 22-22.

But just when the match appeared poised for a tense finish, the Philippines seized control. They scored the final three points to win the set 25-22 and seal a 3-1 victory.

The final set scores were 25-22, 23-25, 21-25 and 22-25 from Vietnam’s perspective.

The result leaves Vietnam in a difficult position after two consecutive defeats in Leg 2 of the 2026 SEA V.Cup. Their hopes of winning the title are now virtually over, while finishing second will also be a major challenge.

Vietnam will next face hosts Thailand, who have their strongest squad available, on August 9.

Before the match against the Philippines, Vietnam had been hoping to rebuild confidence after their opening defeat to Indonesia. In that encounter, the Vietnamese side made an excellent start and took a 2-0 lead, only to allow Indonesia to fight back for a 3-2 victory.

The Philippines had been regarded as an evenly matched opponent for Vietnam. While the team features several physically strong players and plays a powerful style of volleyball, it had not previously shown the consistency associated with the region’s leading sides.

With Thanh Thuy back in the lineup and experienced players forming the core of the squad, Vietnam had been expected to beat the Philippines and build momentum ahead of their key encounter with Thailand. Instead, a second consecutive defeat has left their ambitions in Leg 2 of the SEA V.Cup hanging by a thread.

Thien Binh