ALAS Pilipinas’ brave stand against defending champion Thailand fell short in four hard-fought sets, 20-25, 25-23, 22-25, 20-15, in the 2024 AVC Challenge Cup for Men classification round on Friday in Manama, Bahrain.
For the second year running, the Philippines will finish the continental showpiece in 10th place after a tough classification round defeat.
READ: De Brito staying on to steer Alas Pilipinas' continued rise
Marck Espejo fueled Alas on offense with 16 points on 15 attacks and one ace, as reigning UAAP Rookie of the Year Jade Disquitado made up for an error-laden outing with 14 points on 13 attacks and a block.
Middle blocker Lloyd Josafat was a revelation on both ends of the floor with nine markers built on seven attacks and two blocks.
Alas found a late sparkplug in La Salle ace Noel Kampton, who only played the fourth set, but managed to fire six attack points to keep the Philippines within striking distance from a surging Thai side led by its multi-awarded ace spiker and captain Amorntep Konhan.
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