ALAS Pilipinas Men pool player Ike Andrew Barilea has died just two days after his 21st birthday.
The tragic news was shared by the national team’s social media page on Tuesday afternoon.
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“The court feels emptier, and our hearts heavier. Rest easy, Alas Ike Barilea,” the announcement wrote.
“Thank you for the laughter, the memories, and the heart you gave to the team. Heaven gained an angel, but we lost a piece of ours. Fly high, our dear Alas.”
The Negrense middle blocker was handpicked by Alas head coach Angiolino Frigoni to be part of the nationals’ 21-player pool in the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship.
He was among the seven players to be cut from the final roster as Frigoni leaned on experience by selecting Kim Malabunga, Lloyd Josafat and Peng Taguibolos to man Alas' net defense.
Nonetheless, Barilea left a lasting impression on the Italian coach in the 2025 PNVF U21 National Finals, where his 31-piece steered 1 Silay Volleyball Club to the bronze.
His only stint for the national team came with Alas Pilipinas-Cignal, which competed in the 2025 AVC Men’s Volleyball Champions League in Japan last May.
As of writing, his family has yet to comment on the young ace’s passing, and the cause of death has not been disclosed.
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