Jazareno named Best Libero; Philippines take SEA V.League bronze

Defensive specialist Justine Jazareno emerged as the Philippines’ lone awardee in the second leg of the SEA V.League, earning Best Libero honor Sunday night, August 10, — her first international award.

Jazareno anchored Alas Pilipinas’ streak of having at least one individual honoree alive for five straight legs of the tournament. 

She joined Vietnam’s Nguyen Thi Bich Tuyen (MVP and Best Opposite Spiker), Vi Thi Nhu Quynh (Best Outside Spiker), Tran Thi Bich Thuy (Best Middle Blocker), and Thailand’s Pornpun Guedpard (Best Setter), Chatchu-on Moksri (Best Outside Spiker), and Thanapan Wimonrat (Best Middle Blocker) in the list of top performers.

Jazareno, who plays for Akari in the PVL, shared the spotlight with teammate Angel Canino — Leg 1’s Best Outside Spiker — as the national team’s brightest standouts in the regional tilt.

Meanwhile, Vietnam stunned Thailand in the gold medal match, pulling off a historic comeback, 17-25, 24-26, 25-17, 25-22, 16-14, to capture the title and snap the Thais’ six-year, eight-leg winning streak in the SEA V.League.