Alas Pilipinas during the 2024 AVC Challenge Cup against China.–AVC PHOTO
SCHEDULE: Alas Pilipinas at AVC Challenge Cup 2024 for Men
MANILA, Philippines — Alas Pilipinas men’s volleyball team started its AVC Challenge Cup off the wrong foot as its gallant stand wasn’t enough after losing to China, 19-25, 22-25, 22-25, on Monday morning in Isa Town, Bahrain.
The Filipino Spikers, who missed their top player Bryan Bagunas due to his commitment in Taiwan, may be swept in straight sets but they didn’t go down without a fight against World No. 32 China.
Alas banked on the trio of Jau Umandal, Marck Espejo, and Leo Ordiales, a revelation as a starting opposite spiker in their first Pool A game despite losing in 73 minutes.
READ: Alas Pilipinas men’s team flies to Bahrain for AVC Challenge Cup
Umandal and Ordiales led the Philippines with 10 points each both having 10-of-19 attacking clip, while Espejo chipped in eight points built on six kills and two blocks.
“It was a tough game. I know we just did our best [but] we fell short and made a lot of mistakes but yeah it was a good game,” said Espejo, the team captain in the Nationals’ first stint as Alas Pilipinas.
Setter Owa Retamar made his national team return, orchestrating the team’s offense and scoring two points. Kim Malabunga contributed five points, while back-to-back UAAP MVP Josh Ybañez debuted as a starting libero for Alas.
China captain Jiang Chuan delivered the killer blows in the last two sets including the game-winning cross-court hit to stave off Alas’ valiant effort and give his team an early 1-0 lead in Pool A.
READ: Espejo, Umandal lead Alas Pilipinas in AVC Challenge Cup
“It was a good match. I’m so happy with the team because we played against a very strong team, China. We have three young players on the court and the guys played very well. The score was not the same when you look [it’s] 3-0 but the fight was good,” said Alas coach Sergio Veloso. “As I told my players, sometimes we win but every time you need to learn.”
Alas fights for dear life against host Bahrain on early Tuesday morning (Manila time). The Philippines needs to win the game to advance to the quarterfinals.
“The gym here is so full and I expect to have a very very good match. It’s our possibility, now you need to win the next match to go to the next round,” Veloso said.
Zhang Jingyin led the Chinese with 15 points. Chuan had 13 points, while Wang Dongehen added seven points.