Alas Pilipinas failed to secure a victory in their final game of the 2024 AVC Challenge Cup for Men.
Alas Pilipinas finished the 2024 AVC Challenge Cup for Men in 10th place after bowing to regional rivals Thailand in four sets, 20-25, 25-23, 22-25, 20-25, during the classification match in Isa Town, Bahrain on Friday, June 7.
After their impressive four-set victory against Indonesia on Wednesday, Alas faced a tough challenge and struggled to match the intense pace set by the Thais.
Falling in the first set, the Philippines recovered to take the second behind Jau Umandal. Setter Owa Retamara and Kim Malabungan also connected on several plays to seal the set for Alas.
But come the third and fourth sets, opposite hitter Amorntep Konhan proved to be too much for the Philippines as he helped distance Thailand in the end game.
Up 23-19, outside hitter Supakorn Jenthaisong nailed a service ace to bring the Thais to match point.
Jade Disquitado managed to bring one back for Alas, however, Marck Espejo’s cross-court attack sailed wide, giving Thailand the victory.
The Philippines retained their 10th place finish from last year, while the 2023 AVC Challenge Cup winners would settle for ninth.