Alas Pilipinas notched its first-ever win in the 2024 SEA V.League after holding off Vietnam in four sets.
Alas Pilipinas secured its first-ever win in the Southeast Asian Volleyball League (SEA V.League) after besting Vietnam in four sets, 25-20, 25-22, 18-25, 25-23, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila on Friday, August 16.
Failing to win a single game in last year’s tournament, the rejigged Alas Men found their groove behind superstar outside hitter Bryan Bagunas.
This was also their first victory under new Italian coach Angiolino Frigoni.
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After being denied a sweep in the third, Alas Men cleaned up its errors to take an early 8-4 lead in the fourth set after a crosscourt kill by Bagunas.
Vietnam countered to seize the lead at 12-11 but Alas had a quick retort behind the efforts of substitute Noel Kampton.
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Tied at 18-all, the Filipinos scored back-to-back points after Louie Ramirez’s down-the-line hit and Buds Buddin’s emphatic kill block.
Ramirez scored twice for Alas before Malabunga had another crucial kill block to put the Philippines at match point.
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After Vietnam saved two match points, Alas Men turned to none other than Bagunas, who delivered the game-winning attack.
Bagunas finished with a match-leading 19 points on 15 attacks, two blocks and two aces. Buds Buddin had 14 points on nine attacks, three blocks and two aces, while Ramirez wound up with 11 points, all on attacks.
Pham Van Hiep and Duong Van Tien scored 15 apiece for Vietnam, while Nguyen Ngoc Thuan had 14 points.
Alas Men takes on Indonesia next, while Vietnam battles Thailand on Saturday.