There's plenty of burning questions for Alas Pilipinas Men heading to Leg 2 of the SEA V.League, after picking up their first-ever bronze medal in the tournament.
Alas Pilipinas made history by clinching the bronze medal in Leg 1 of the 2024 SEA V.League. It's their first-ever podium finish in the tournament--a feat also completed by the Philippine women's national team in their edition.
But there's plenty of questions posed for Alas Pilipinas as they head to Leg 2 of the tournament in Indonesia. Check out the schedule as well below.
Will Bryan Bagunas play? And who will step up?
There's no doubt that "Bazooka" Bryan was pivotal in the Philippines' first win of the tournament, scoring 19 points from 15 attacks, two blocks, and two aces.
But an injury during the Indonesia game gave Alas a considerable dent, absorbing two straight losses.
[ALSO READ: Alas Pilipinas Men rally behind 'heart and soul' Bryan Bagunas]
Leg 1 Best Middle Blocker Kim Malabunga admitted that more have to step up in Bagunas' absence.
Against Vietnam and Indonesia, Leg 1 Best Outside Hitter Michaelo Buddin scored in double digits. Noel Kampton was the lone player to reach ten points for Alas against Thailand.
On Thursday, Alas Pilipinas confirmed that Cignal HD Spikers teammate Jau Umandal will be suiting up for Alas in the place of Bagunas. Middle blocker Choi Diao will also be playing for the national team in the place of JP Bugaoan.
[ALSO READ: Alas Pilipinas makes two key roster changes for SEA V.League Leg 2]
Can Owa Retamar mix it up?
Setter Owa Retamar was candid in Alas Pilipinas' four-set loss to Indonesia, admitting that they were becoming predictable.
Indonesia had 11 blocks to the Philippines' eight. They can expect teams have already scouted them for Leg 2.
Can Alas Pilipinas minimize their errors, especially at the service line?
Errors have always been a sore point for the Philippine men's national volleyball team--especially so during Leg 1.
Against Vietnam, Alas committed 31. Against Indonesia, it was 24. Against Thailand, there were 19.
The Philippines' best service game was at the start, against Vietnam, with four aces. They had none against Indonesia, while Kampton was the sole player to deliver a service ace against Thailand.
Retamar admitted they have plenty to learn still in this area.
Can Alas Pilipinas maintain their energy?
Coach Angiolino Frigoni noted that Alas Pilipinas not only need to improve their skills, but their mentality as well. He pointed out how the Filipinos' intensity during the first set was not maintained for the rest of the match.
[ALSO READ: Alas Pilipinas: Angiolino Frigoni points out what to improve after bronze medal in SEA V.League]
And libero Josh Ybañez admitted that he was one of those who needed to be consistent in energy, as well as in anticipating attacks.
At least, we can count on the Kween to always serve the looks.
Schedule of games
Alas Pilipinas vs Indonesia
- August 23, Friday | 8:00 p.m.
- LIVE on One Sports, One Sports+, Pilipinas Live
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Previous matchup: Indonesia won, 23-25, 25-19, 25-11, 25-21
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Players to watch: Farhan Halim, Kurniawan Hendra (Best Middle Blocker), Zulfikri Dio (Best Setter)
Alas Pilipinas vs Thailand
- August 24, Saturday | 5:00 p.m.
- LIVE on One Sports+, Pilipinas Live
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Previous matchup: Thailand won, 28-26, 25-14, 25-16
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Players to watch: Nilsawai Kissada (Most Valuable Player), Bhinijdee Napadet (Best Outside Hitter), Charoensuk Tanapat (Best Libero)
Alas Pilipinas vs Vietnam
- August 25, Sunday | 5:00 p.m.
- LIVE on One Sports, One Sports+, Pilipinas Live
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Previous matchup: Philippines won, 25-21, 25-22, 18-25, 25-23
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Players to watch: Duong Van Tien, Pham Van Hiep (Best Opposite Spiker), Nguyen Ngoc Thuan