Alas Pilipinas, sans Bryan Bagunas, bags SEA VLeague bronze

FILE–Alas Pilipinas men during the SEA VLeague.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — Alas Pilipinas, minus Bryan Bagunas, got swept by champion Thailand, 26-28, 14-25, 16-25, to finish with a bronze medal in the SEA VLeague first leg on Sunday at Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

Thailand denied the Philippines’ promising start and took full control of the match the rest of the way to complete an unbeaten championship run without dropping a single set in three games for its first VLeague title after settling for silver and bronze in the inaugural staging last year.

Alas, which lost its main man Bagunas in a four-set loss to Indonesia on Saturday, earned its first podium finish in an international tournament since the Philippines captured the silver medal in the 2019 Southeast Asian Games.

READ: Alas Pilipinas men lose Bagunas to injury, fall to Indonesia in SEA VLeague

The Nationals, who played in their first tilt under the guidance of veteran Italian coach Angiolino Frigoni, wrapped up their VLeague campaign at 1-2 following a 0-6 outing last year. Joining the regional tournament was also part of Alas’ buildup for next year’s hosting and participation in the FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship.

“I say that we work pretty good in fighting. I want this team [they are] fighting. We are not on the other level now. If we fight and [even if] we make stupid mistakes, means…stupid mistakes are a little bit difficult to say in volleyball because they are just mistakes. At least we were trying,” said the Italian coach of Alas.

Alas had a promising start even without Bagunas with Leo Ordiales and Noel Kampton stepping up as the new starters along with Buds Buddin for a 17-14 advantage.

However, the Thais took advantage of the Filipinos’ miscues for a one-point lead, 19-20. Malabunga’s quick attack connected to Kampton’s ace for a 22-20 lead. But Thailand overcame the late deficit as Anuchit Pakdeekaew brought them at set point, 23-24, before Buddin and Ordiales saved points for the home squad.

Ordiales’ attack error and Napadet Bhinijdee completed the first-set comeback for Thailand.

Kampton led the way for Alas with 10 points on a 9-of-18 attacking clip, while Buddin and Ordiales had seven points each.

Nilsawai Kissada, the 1st leg MVP, and Bhinijder powered Thailand’s collective effort with 14 points each as the former had five blocks. Anurak Phanram added 13 points 

Alas will fly to Indonesia this week for the second leg from August 23 to 25.

READ: Alas Pilipinas men ‘still very far’ from high level, admits coach

Meanwhile, Indonesia settled for silver after overcoming Vietnam, 21-25, 25-21, 19-25, 25-22, 15-12, to finish its campaign with two straight wins out of three games despite the failed title defense.

Boy Arnez Arabi led the Indonesian’s comeback with 22 points on 19 hits, two aces, and a block. Last year’s league MVP Fahri Septian Putrama backstopped him with 21 points, while Hendra Kurniawan chipped in 11 points.

Indonesia came off a 23-25, 25-19, 25-11, 25-21 win against Alas on Saturday

Vietnam, last year’s podium finisher, went empty-handed in the Manila leg with three losses amid the efforts of Tran Duy Tuyen and Pham Van Hiep, who had 22 and 19 points, respectively.