Alas Pilipinas rekindles magic vs Thailand after six years

Alas Pilipinas men during the last day of the Invitationals ahead of the FIVB Men’s World Championships. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

Alas Pilipinas brought back flashes of its 2019 Southeast Asian Games silver medal run after beating Thailand in five sets to complete a perfect campaign in the three-day, four-team Invitationals on Independence Day at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Six years after their historic semifinal win over Thailand, the men’s national volleyball team proved it still has what it takes to defeat a SEA Games powerhouse. Marck Espejo unleashed a phenomenal 30-point performance while Kim Malabunga anchored the frontline in a 21-25, 25-21, 25-22, 21-25, 15-12 triumph.

READ: Marck Espejo powers Alas Pilipinas in five-set thiller vs Thailand

“For me, it just felt really amazing. After six years, we finally beat Thailand again. It brought back that same feeling of winning, and I think a big part of it was because of the support from the people,” said Malabunga in Filipino.

Owa Retamar, once a young backup in 2019, provided key plays as the team’s main setter. Bryan Bagunas, the hero of that silver-medal run, cheered on his teammates from the sidelines as he recovers in time for the World Championship.

READ: Fresh faces to make Alas Pilipinas debut in 3-day Invitational

Malabunga finished with nine points, including four blocks, using his familiarity with Thailand’s system to stifle their offense.

“We’ve faced them so many times before, especially their middle blocker. He really gave us a hard time in past tournaments. I just tried to remember how he moved and applied that in the game. Thankfully, I was able to block him a few times,” said the former NU standout.

Alas Pilipinas’ Kim Malabunga. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

The veteran middle also provided leadership for younger teammates Lloyd Josafat, Peng Taguibolos, and JP Bugaoan as the team ramps up preparation for the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship in September.

Alas Pilipinas, which also defeated Jakarta Bhayangkara Presisi and Hyundai Capital Skywalkers of South Korea, flies to Bahrain on Sunday for the AVC Nations Cup from June 17 to 24.