Alessandra Gwen Santos

Coming off a disappointing loss on Thursday, Alas Pilipinas Men stood up tall in a spectacular fashion, earning a hard fought 25-21, 25-27, 32-30, 23-25,15-8 victory over Cambodia to keep their podium hopes alive in the 5th SEA V. League Leg 1, at the Candon Arena, Ilocos Sur, July 12.

Photo Courtesy of Tiebreaker Times/Joaqui Flores.

Now holding a 2-1 record, the Philippines remains in contention for a historic podium finish in the tournament, which will serve as a strong momentum builder in preparation for their next tour at the FIVB Men's Volleyball World Championship in September. 

Jade Disquitado proved that he is the right man for Alas as he was named as the Player of the Game after racking up a game-high 24 points built on 21 attacks, two blocks, and an ace enough to propel the squad to the victory line. 

Also contributing heavily were National University(NU) standouts, Leo Ordiales and Buds Buddin, who connected a combined 41-markers.

“Ginagawa ko lang palagi yung best ko sa tuwing pinapasok ako sa loob ng court.” Disquitado said.

The Filipinos pulled ahead after a tight opening frame, with go-ahead attacks courtesy of Lloyd Josefat and Buddin, before a Cambodia service error sealed the set, 25-21.

Alas built early momentum in the second set as Ordiales erupted for three straight points, giving the squad a 5-3 lead. However, Cambodia’s Voeurn Veasna responded with a pivotal cross-court attack that led to a deuce. 

Souern Heng then pierced through the Philippines' triple block to equalize the match at one set apiece.

But the third set became Disquitado’s stage. 

After dropping the second set, Disquitado made sure that Alas could clearly feel his prowess, exploding 15 points in the third frame alone and delivered a much-needed block to tie the score at 19-all.

From there, the 21-year-old hitter towed Alas to its eighth set point right after Ordiales misfired a service amidst tense exchanges with the fired-up Cambodia, with returning setter Joshua Retamar ending the extended clash with a kill block to stretch the deficit to 2-1.

 Disquitado was also asked in an interview about his thoughts during the third set, when he was nearly unstoppable, “I did my best in the game to win.” 

Hoping to end the match in four sets, Alas Pilipinas sparked a 3-0 run to trim the gap to 21-all, but still not enough as Keo Srenglyhour closed it out for Cambodians with a quick attack in forcing a decider.

Alas, however, dominated the decider. They opened with a 4-0 run, capped by Peng Taguibolos’ off-the-block hit that brought the team to match point. 

A final attack error by Cambodia’s Phol Ratanak secured the win for the Filipinos, 15-8.

Despite the loss, team captain Veasna steered Cambodia's offense in a losing effort with 21 points. 

Now with a medal finish still on the line, Alas Pilipinas looks to end the leg on a high note as they face Indonesia on July 13.