Medal drought goes on as Alas women take heart-rending loss
Bella Belen and the rest of the Alas Pilipinas women didn’t hide the heartbreak they felt on Monday night, when they shed tears after taking a 28-26, 13-25, 30-28, 26-24 loss from Indonesia that denied them of a bronze medal in the 33rd Southeast Asian Games volleyball tournament at Indoor Stadium Huamark in Bangkok.
“It really hurts. It hurts a lot, even though it’s my first time, because I know we’re capable,” said an emotional Belen in Filipino after scoring nine points to end her first SEA Games. “I know our team can do it. If you look at how we play and at each player, you can see that we have what it takes—we just fell short.”
Belen’s final point forced a 24-all tie, but Indonesian star Megawati Pertiwi countered before Chelsa Berliana Nurtomo drilled the game-winning block to deal the Filipinos their latest SEA Games heartbreak, as Indonesia reversed a trend that saw Team PH post wins in the last four SEA V.League matches.
“Indonesia really fought hard and they played well,” Belen went on, speaking dejectedly as a big Filipino crowd showed up, counting some members of the Creamline team in the PVL back home. “We couldn’t match them or respond properly and maybe we adjusted a bit late.
“But still, I’m proud of how the team performed.”
The Philippines now hasn’t medaled in women’s volleyball even after seeing a rise in popularity back home. The Filipinos will try to snap what would be a 22-year lull in 2027.
Belen embraced her role despite coming off the bench in the bronze medal match, providing the much-needed spark.
“This is my first time playing in the SEA Games and as a competitive player, I really put a lot of expectations on myself,” she said. “I know I need to contribute when the team needs me, even if I’m not a starter.
“I always remind myself that whenever the team calls on me, I have to give what I know I can. I’m still happy with how I performed, but I believe I could’ve done even better.”
Alas settled for fourth in the last five editions, the last four were all heartbreaking losses to the Indonesians, who won bronze in 10 of the last 11 SEA Games.
“This is the kind of loss we don’t want to feel again in our next matches,” Belen said. “Losing really hurts, especially when you know deep down that you and the team are capable of winning.”
Despite the loss, Alas has the pieces to move forward with Belen leading nine other SEA Games debutants.
Angel Canino remained as the Philippines’ go-to scorer with 14 points off 10 spikes, three blocks and an ace. Amie Provido was a revelation with 14 points, highlighted by four blocks, while Alyssa Solomon had 12 points.
