FILE–Alas Pilipinas men in the SEA VLeague first leg.–SAVA PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — Alas Pilipinas turned to the young trio of Buds Buddin, Louie Ramirez, and Jade Disquitado to pull off a come-from-behind 27-25, 14-25, 22-25, 25-21, 15-12 win over Vietnam and end its SEA V.League second leg stint with another bronze medal on Sunday in Yogyakarta, Indonesia.
After Pham Van Hiep cut Alas’ lead down to just one after two consecutive kills in the fifth, 12-11, Ramirez restored the order before Disquitado brought the Philippines to match point with a big cross-court hit, 14-11, and had an animated celebration with Italian coach Angiolino Frigoni.
Lloyd Josafat committed a service error that extended Vietnam’s chances but Disquitado, who provided the spark throughout the game, fittingly nailed the match-winning off-the-block kill.
READ: Alas Pilipinas men swept by Indonesia in SEA VLeague 2nd leg
Alas Pilipinas men thus ended a two-game skid and finished the regional tournament with a pair of bronze medals — just like the women’s volleyball team did two weeks ago.
Buddin scored five of his 24 points in the fifth set and sparked a crucial 5-0 run that turned a 6-8 deficit into an 11-8 lead highlighted by Ramirez’ cross-court hit and a shimmy.
Buddin, a late call-up, capped his stellar showing in Alas debut as he poured in 22 kills out of 35 attempts on top of an ace and a block. Ramirez chipped in 19 points off 17 attacks, one ace, and a block, while Disquitado added 16 points.
In the first leg in Manila, the Philippines also got bronze medal with Buddin and Ramirez conspiring with Bryan Bagunas with a four-set win over Vietnam in the opener.
READ: Alas Pilipinas lays ‘Worlds’ foundation with bronze finish
But Bagunas injured his knee in that game and was ruled out for the remainder of the VLeague, followed by a four-game tail spin for Alas Pilipinas including its first two games against Indonesia and reigning champion Thailand in the second leg.
Disquitado stepped up and made the most of his opportunity in Bagunas’ absence, delivering the clutch in the fourth set, where libero Vince Lorenzo provided a steady floor defense to extend the game.
Kim Malabunga provided solid five kill blocks for 11 points and leadership for the Nationals, while backup setter EJ Casaña also made the most of his major role with playmaker Owa Retamar serving as his substitute in this game.
In the first leg, Malabunga won the 2nd Best Middle Blocker and Buddin nabbed the 2nd Best Outside Hitter. The V.League will fete a new mythical team in the second leg after unbeaten teams Indonesia and Thailand clash for the title.
Vietnam ended up winless in six games in two legs of the SEA V.League with Hiep leading the way with 29 points including five blocks. Nguyen Ngoc Thuan and Tran Duy Tuyen chipped in 18 and 14 points, respectively.
Alas will host and participate in the 2025 FIVB Men’s Volleyball Championship Manila as it will compete in a series of international friendlies when it comes home and start the one-year countdown, which is highlighted by the World Championship draw, in September.