ANOTHER Asian champion falls prey to the Philippines.
Alas Pilipinas Men repulsed newly-crowned Korean V-League champions Hyundai Capital Skywalkers, 25-22, 22-25, 25-21, 25-20, in the three-day Invitationals on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
READ: Alas Women sweep New Zealand to keep Nations Cup semis hopes alive
Philippines head coach Angiolino Frigoni got the better of his champion Italian compatriot in Skywalkers mentor Fabio Storti after a cyclical shuffle of his stacked deck of aces.
Captain Marck Espejo’s addition to the starting unit to replace National U ace winger Buds Buddin, who hurt his left ankle on Tuesday against Indonesia, paid dividends straight away.
Espejo posted 20 points on 17 attacks, two aces and one block to keep Alas perfect in the four-team field alongside Thailand.
"May mga bagay rin na nangyayari sa team na yung iba, hindi nakakapaglaro. SIyempre, inuuna rin yung condition ng katawan pero masaya ako na nakapag-contribute ako ngayon at nanalo sa game na 'to," said Espejo.
"Sa team po kasi ngayon, kahit sino pwede gamitin and always ready. Sabi nga ni coach Angelo [Frigoni], dapat kung sino yung gamitin, magperform talaga and happy ako sa ganitong progress ng team.
"Hindi pa naman ito yung final na lineup. Marami pang mababago at marami pa kaming matututunan sa journey na to."
Alas’ 23-year-old Fil-American winger Jackson Reed made his debut in Philippine colors as the University of Southern California ace dished out three quick points off the bat in the second set.
The match also featured veteran libero Jack Kalingking’s return to the national team, who was part of the historic silver-winning squad at the 2019 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Manila.
And as far as that 2019 SEA Games run is concerned, Alas’ final opponent on Independence Day will be the Thai national team it dethroned during the biennial meet six years ago in a landmark moment for Philippine volleyball, 17-25, 25-20, 23-25, 27-25, 17-15.
First serve between the nationals and Thailand is at 7:30 p.m., still at the Big Dome.
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