Alas Pilipinas cops back-to-back bronze

AFTER winning the bronze medal in the first leg of the Southeast Asia (SEA) V.League, the Alas Pilipinas Men’s Volleyball team secured another podium finish in the second leg. 

Alas Pilipinas is showing more fight after coming from behind to defeat Vietnam 27-25, 14-25, 22-25, 25-21, 15-12 on Sunday night at the UNY Sports Complex in Indonesia. 

Photo Courtesy: SAVA | Facebook

The Nationals lost Bryan Bagunas in the first leg of the SEA V.League before the campaign ended, and the team did not secure the services of Japan-bound Marck Espejo, resulting in a double whammy.

Despite sending a considerably younger team to compete in the second leg of the SEA V.League, Italian head coach Angiolino Frigoni’s group is gradually building a name for itself.

Hard-fought victory

Despite losing huge stars one after another, the volleyball team, which is merely looking for additional experience and exposure to international games, remained unfazed and determined to bring honor to the country. 

The national team started well against the Vietnamese squad, winning the first set. However, they were dealt a major blow when the opponent won two straight sets against them.

They were jittery going into the fourth set due to the fact they were behind 2-1. Nonetheless, the young guns arrived ready to go, making the final victory all the more precious. 

Photo Courtesy: SAVA | Facebook

Michaelo Buddin and Jade Disquitado spearheaded Alas Pilipinas’ offensive throughout the fourth set, which saw them take a critical 21-17 lead. While NCAA MVP Louie Ramirez led them to set point and forced a fifth set. 

More than ready to lead

Vietnam was keen to recover and maybe end the game on a high note as the final set began. They led 2-5 early against Alas Pilipinas, putting themselves in a much better position to begin the decisive set.

Nonetheless, the trio of Buddin, Disquitado, and Ramirez has shown to be a force to be reckoned with, sparking a torrid run for the Philippines to take an 11-8 lead. 

Photo Courtesy: SAVA | Facebook

But Vietnam remained relentless, closing the gap once more, 11-12. Meanwhile, Ramirez’s opposite-side kill and Disquitado’s outside attack took the Alas Pilipinas to match point at 14-11. 

Finally, Disquitado puts the nail in the coffin by launching a powerful spike that barely grazed the blockers’ fingers, allowing them to seal the win for another bronze medal for the Philippines.

Buddin led the way for Alas Pilipinas with 24 points on 22 spikes, while Ramirez scored 19 of his own. Disquitado, the reigning UAAP Rookie of the Year, tallied 16 points. 

Despite settling for another bronze medal and finishing two legs with 1-2 records, the national team has made significant progress in comparison to the 2023 performance, when the Philippines went winless in both legs.