Achilles Domingo

Playing without key players Marck Espejo and Owa Retamar, Alas Pilipinas couldn’t sustain their winning rhythm as they fell prey to Thailand in straight sets, 25-16, 25-22, 26-24, during the 5th SEA V. League first leg at the Candon Arena, Ilocos Sur, July 10. 

Photo Courtesy of Volleyball Philippines.

With team captain Espejo sidelined by an ankle injury and top setter Retamar out due to dizziness, Alas Pilipinas struggled to keep pace against world No. 57 Thailand, whose steady scoring and solid defense proved too much to overcome.

UAAP veterans Buds Buddin and Leo Ordiales muscled the grit of Alas with 11 and 10 points, respectively.

Alas Pilipinas came into the opening frame cold, succumbing to a 3-9 scoring drought to hand Thailand a first-set cruise.

Kennedy Batas bolstered Alas Pilipinas’ offense in the second set with five timely points, helping the blue-clad spikers close the gap to 23–22, but it was all for nothing as Thailand strung together a two-point run to close out the set.

In the wake of two sets down, Alas Pilipinas made each rally count in the third salvo, clinging to hopes of a fourth-set comeback. 

But the 2024 season champions reminded the Filipino-heavy crowd why they reign supreme.

With a 19-all tie down the third frame, Buddin stepped up to shut down a 3-0 Kissida Nilasawai-sparked run and convert a 22-24 edge for the Alas men.

However, a stubborn service error courtesy of Jackson Reed was the missing piece for Thailand to regroup and ignite a 3-0 cushion once more, allowing Prasert Pinkaew salvo the final dagger and seal the sweep.

Amornthep Khonhan led Thailand with a game-high 20 points, extending their unbeaten run in the SEA V.League.

This leads to the Filipinos’ second loss against powerhouse Thailand, which also swept them in the AVC Challenge Cup last June.

The Philippine squad will have a day off on Friday to recoup before taking on underdog Cambodia on Saturday, July 12, at the same venue.