IT might not yet be a win, but Alas Pilipinas has already made history at the world stage.
A Philippine team has won a set at the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship for the first time in the national federation’s 64-year history.
The Nationals won the opening set of its Pool A duel with reigning African champion Egypt, 29-27, on Tuesday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Four Egyptian set points were erased by a gutsy Alas side, capped by a Kim Malabunga block and an emphatic Leo Ordiales ace.
In a riveting tug-of-war, the National U ace converted the Philippines' first-ever set point into a unprecedented breakthrough for Philippine volleyball.
From its first hosting to its first match, the Philippines can finally add a first set win to its name and is now two away from a historic victory.
Bryan Bagunas led all scorers in the first set with seven attack points.
Ordiales and Malabunga had four and two markers, respectively, with ace winger Marck Espejo adding two more points.
The Philippines had five less attacks in Set 1, 12 to 17.
They were able to atone for a sluggish start from the frontline by producing more blocks with five, one ace being Ordiales' set-winner and committing three less errors at nine to 12.
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