The Indonesia women’s national volleyball team secured a historic 3-2 comeback victory over Vietnam during the second leg of the SEA V Cup Women 2026 in Chiang Mai, Thailand, overcoming a two-set deficit to finish the tournament on a high note.
According to reports from TIMES Indonesia, Indonesia fought back from scores of 20-25 and 18-25 in the opening sets to claim the final three frames 25-22, 25-20, and 15-9. The result provided a significant morale boost for the squad, locally known as Srikandi Merah Putih, after years of struggling against regional powerhouses.
Clutch Comeback in Chiang Mai
Head coach Marcos Sugiyama praised his team’s composure after the hard-fought win in northern Thailand. “This is a kemenangan besar bagi voli putri Indonesia,” Sugiyama said, as reported by TIMES Indonesia. “Ketika tertinggal 0-2, sangat mudah bagi tim untuk kehilangan fokus, tetapi para pemain justru menunjukkan mentalitas baja.”
The match began with Indonesia deploying a starting lineup featuring Medi Yoku, Tisya Amallya, Chelsa Berliana, Ersandrina Devega, Maradanti Namira, and libero Indah Guretno. Early on, the squad faced relentless pressure from young Vietnamese spiker Pham Quynh Huong. Vietnam controlled the tempo of the first two sets with varied attacks and disciplined defensive transitions, building a comfortable 2-0 lead.
Trailing in the match, the Indonesian coaching staff adjusted rotations and tactics ahead of the third set. Tisya Amallya orchestrated a faster offense, utilizing precise feeds to Medi Yoku and Ersandrina Devega while Maradanti Namira anchored the block at the net. The tactical shift disrupted Vietnam’s rhythm, allowing Indonesia to secure a 25-22 victory in the third set.
Turning Tides in the Fourth and Fifth Sets
Sensing momentum shifting, Vietnam introduced star player Tran Thi Thanh Thuy to reclaim control of the net. However, the Indonesian side maintained its offensive pressure through a tense exchange of points in the fourth set. Capitalizing on unforced errors from the opposition, Indonesia closed out the fourth frame 25-20 to force a deciding rubber set.
In the fifth set, momentum favored the Garuda Pertiwi squad entirely. Vietnam struggled under mounting pressure, while Medi Yoku and teammates capitalized on consistent side-outs to widen the gap. Indonesia sealed the match with a decisive 15-9 scoreline in the fifth set, capping a dramatic turnaround.
Roster Composition and Tournament Context
The SEA V Cup Women 2026 features a round-robin format with two legs—the first held in Vietnam from July 31 to August 2, followed by the second leg in Thailand from August 7 to August 9. Teams face off against regional opponents including Thailand, Vietnam, and the Philippines.
According to CNN Indonesia, the 14-player roster traveling under coach Marcos Sugiyama includes:
- Outside Hitters: Medi Yoku, Azzahra Dwi Febyane, Ersandrina Devega, Putri Agustin, and Venisa Dwi Oktaviani
- Opposite Hitters: Syelomitha Wongkar and Arsela Nuari Purnama
- Setters: Arneta Putri and Tisya Amallya
- Middle Blockers: Chelsa Berliana, Maradanti Namira, and Geofanny Eka
- Liberos: Indah Guretno and Fajriahni Ema Herawati
The team entered the SEA V Cup competition following a series of exhibition matches against South Korea. Following the conclusion of the regional tournament, the Indonesian squad plans to shift its focus toward preparations for the upcoming AVC Championship.
