Despite losing to China in their 2024 AVC Challenge Cup campaign opener, Marck Espejo and Alas Pilipinas are focusing on the positives.
Alas Pilipinas may have fallen short in their 2024 AVC Challenge Cup campaign opening, but team captain Marck Espejo believes the early setback will ultimately serve them good in the long run.
The Philippines lost in straight sets to world No. 32 China, 19-25, 22-25, 22-25, early Monday, June 3, in Bahrain.
Still, the Filipinos put up a gallant stand, keeping pace with the Asian powerhouse for most of the match before faltering in the latter stages of each set.
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“It was a tough game for sure, but I'm really happy we did our best and we actually played better than better,” said Espejo.
Alas Pilipinas managed to stay in step with the Chinese during the early to mid-stages of each set.
However, whenever the Philippines had a chance to tip the scales to its favor, errors – most of which came from the service area – disrupted the momentum, allowing China to pull away decisively.
For this reason, Espejo and the rest of the team aim to address their wasteful outing.
“I think we have to lessen our errors, especially serve. We were playing pretty good against China, it was just the errors,” Espejo said.
Nonetheless, Espejo is pleased to see the fight in Alas Pilipinas.
The Philippines banked on a solid blend of young guns and veterans, with Owa Retamar, Jau Umandal, and Leo Ordiales spearheading the thrust.
Retamar provided the steady playmaking, while Umandal and Ordiales took charge on offense with 10 points apiece.
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Espejo and Kim Malabunga also made their presence felt with a combined total of 13 points, while Josh Ybañez played his part as the libero in his national team debut.
If their close straight-set encounter with China would be any indication, Espejo believes that Alas Pilipinas are trending in the right direction as they continue to prepare for the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship.
“This is a good start for this young squad. I guess, we just have to do more and learn more for the preparation this upcoming world championship in the Philippines,” Espejo said.
For now, the Philippines sets its sights on host country Bahrain as the country tries to keep its title hopes alive on Tuesday, June 4, at 12:00 a.m.