AICHI — Alas Pilipinas Men absorbed a 16-25, 25-27, 22-25 loss to South Korea to open its campaign in the men’s volleyball event of the 20th Asian Games on Sunday at Park Arena Komaki here.
After a slow start, the Philippines gradually found its rhythm as the match progressed, but it still fell short, dropping to 0-1 in Pool D. South Korea, meanwhile, moved to the top of the pool with a 1-0 record.
Bryan Bagunas led the way for Alas with 15 points, while Joshua Magalaman and Leo Ordiales added 13 and 11 markers, respectively.
Bagunas and Magallanes powered Alas in a tight second set, with the team captain giving the Philippines set point twice, the last at 25-24. However, Bagunas missed his serve before committing an attack error, putting the Koreans in the driver’s seat.
Ordiales then tried to level the score and keep Alas’ hopes of extending the match alive, but his attack went wide, allowing South Korea to take a 2-0 set advantage.
The Philippines continued to fight back in the third set, only to once again fall short down the stretch.
Alas will look to bounce back against China on Monday at 12 p.m.
Lim Sungjin paced South Korea with 13 points, while Jeong Hanyong and Im Donghyeok chipped in 11 points apiece.
