SEA Games 2023: Alyssa Valdez leads Philippines to women’s volleyball semis against Thailand

Alyssa Valdez led the offense as the Philippines overcame Singapore 3-0 (25-17, 25-14 25-13) to book their spot in the semi-finals of the women’s indoor volleyball tournament at the 2023 Southeast Asian Games in Phnom Penh, Cambodia on Thursday (11 May) 

Valdez, who during these Games returned to the national team after suffering a right knee injury in December 2022, fittingly hit the winning score to secure their last-four berth against defending champions Thailand.

The Filipina captain played her first match at the SEA Games in Cambodia on Wednesday when her team suffered a shock three-set defeat to group A winners Vietnam. She sat out of their opener against the hosts which Philippines completely dominated.

"It's my first season after my injuries, it really feels overwhelming to play in the SEA Games with these amazing girls. I feel like I'm a rookie again,” she said in an interview with Olympics after scoring the winning point at her fourth SEA Games. The Philippines finished third in the past three editions of the Games.

“It feels nice to go back, play with these girls and I can't wait to play more volleyball here in SEA Games. We are just taking it one day at a time and giving our best…we are really praying we can give pride and honour to our country and bringing home some medals as well.”

Thailand qualified as the top team of group A after seeing off Malaysia 3-0 (25-12, 25-14, 25-15) while Indonesia booked their last-four spot with a straight-set victory over Myanmar (25-9, 25-9, 25-15).

• Southeast Asian Games 2023: Full schedule, day-by-day competitions and how to watch live

SEA Games 2023: Women's volleyball results - Thursday 11 May

Group A

Indonesia beat Myanmar, 3-0 (25-9, 25-9, 25-15)

Thailand beat Malaysia, 3-0 (25-12, 25-14, 25-15)

Group B

Philippines beat Singapore, 3-0 (25-17, 25-14, 25-13)