DESPITE missing one of their major players, team captain Bryan Bagunas, the Alas Pilipinas Men’s Volleyball Team won the bronze medal in the 2024 Men’s Southeast Asia (SEA) V.League.
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In Leg 1 of the SEA V.League, Thailand did easy work on the Philippines’ men’s volleyball national team 26-28, 14-25, 16-25 at Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
Given the result, Thailand won the gold medal with a spotless 3-0 record, while Indonesia finished with a silver medal, after winning back-to-back gold medals in the 2023 SEA V.League.
Stepping up
Bagunas suffered an uncertain knee injury during their game versus Indonesia. The 6-foot-5 hitter stepped up for his hallmark hit, but landed awkwardly on his left foot, causing him to buckle and wince in pain.
Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) President Ramon “Tats” Suzara expressed his concern about Bagunas’ scary injury but urged the squad to support him and step up.
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“I know they are worried because Bryan is one of our strongest players, but this is a team sport and now everybody has to work even harder to finish this week strong,” said Suzara after the said game.
Noel Kampton, who filled in for Bagunas, concluded their game against the Thais with 10 points, followed by Leo Ordiales and Michaelo Buddin, who each had seven.
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Thailand, on the other side, was led by opposite hitter Bhinijdee Napadet and middle blocker Nilsawai Kissada, who each scored 14 points, while Phanram Anurak added 13 points to capture the SEA V.League title for the first time.
The game could have turned out differently if their team captain had been fit, but one thing is certain: the Alas Pilipinas Men’s team made a statement about who they are as a squad.
Statement made
Despite finishing the first leg with a 1-2 record and a bronze medal for the Philippines, rookie Italian head coach Angiolino Frigoni believes the national team is in a win-win situation following the competition.
“I say that we work pretty well in fighting. I want this team, [they are] fighting,” says Frigoni, commending Alas Pilipinas’ efforts after putting up a gallant stand against SEA opponents.
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“We are not on the other level now. If we fight and [even if] we make stupid mistakes, it means… stupid mistakes are a little bit difficult to say in volleyball because they are just mistakes. At least we were trying.”
“It is a better start [to have a] bronze medal than start without a medal. But for me, we are just starting, we only played in this competition this year and to have a bronze medal in this competition is something good,” the tactician added.
The two-time Olympic coach believes that Alas Pilipinas needs to develop in many areas, but has shown a lot of promise for the foreseeable future. Believing that with time, this youthful team will develop into a solid one.
