ALAS Pilipinas scored its first win of the 2024 AVC Challenge Cup for Men by taking down Indonesia, 25-23, 23-25, 25-14, 25-22, in the classification round on Wednesday in Manama, Bahrain.
READ: Alas Pilipinas goes winless in AVC pool play even after tough stand vs. Bahrain
The Philippines earn a shot at improving on its best-ever Top 10 finish last year after advanceing to the battle for 9th place against either Thailand or Chinese Taipei on Friday.
Co-captain Marck Espejo hit double figures for the first time in three outings with a game-high 20 points built on 17 attacks, two aces and one block.
The National University connection was strong between Kim Malabunga (six blocks, five attacks and one ace) and Jade Disquitado (nine attacks and three blocks) who fired 12 markers each to back Espejo up on offense and help end Alas’ two-game skid.
Since losing both of its pool play games to China and host Bahrain, Alas dropped four places in the FIVB men’s world rankings from 57th to 61st but managed to outlast world No. 54 Indonesia that fielded a younger team than its usual senior core for the tournament.
Even after splitting the first two error-plagued sets, Alas came out with force in an 11-point third-set romp before pulling away for the win for good.
National team mainstay Nico Almendras, who was only fielded in the last two sets, delivered instant impact off the bench with ten quick points on nine attacks and one block.
Consistency has been 21-year-old breakout star Leo Ordiales' strong suit over the last three games for Alas, pitching in seven markers in two sets played.
Alas' tournament finale gives the nationals a shot to either match its 10th-place run in their 2022 debut stint or rise to a 9th-place finish in the newly-assembled national team's first international campaign.
Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph
NOTICE ON UNAUTHORIZED AND UNLAWFUL USE, PUBLICATION, AND/OR DISSEMINATION OF SPIN.PH CONTENT: Please be notified that any unauthorized and unlawful use, publication, and/or dissemination of Spin.ph’s content and/or materials is a direct violation of its legal and exclusive rights to the same, and shall be subject to appropriate legal action/s.
