Despite going up against one of the best teams in Asia, China, Alas Pilipinas still made a strong impression in its debut match in the 2024 AVC Challenge Cup for Men on Monday in Isa Town, Bahrain.
The Philippines lost the game in straight sets, 19-25, 22-25, 22-25, but managed to keep up with 31st-ranked China, which was sent back to the AVC Challenge Cup after placing last in the previous season.
Alas Pilipinas head coach Sergio Veloso could not feel more proud of the fight his team showed against the No. 5 team in Asia. The Brazilian tactician also lauded his young players for stepping up to the challenge.
“It’s a good match. I’m so happy for the team because we played very strongly against China. We had three young players on the court, and the guys played very well,” said Veloso.
Leo Ordiales, a standout from National University, was a revelation for the Philippines with 10 points.
Another Bulldog, Rwenzmel Taguibolos – who got the starting nod over Cignal stars JP Bugaoan and Lloyd Josafat – contributed and finished with two points.
Meanwhile, two-time UAAP MVP Josh Ybañez of the University of Sto. Tomas impressed as a libero.
(C) AVC
Overall, it was a solid performance for the Philippines, which also drew contributions from co-captains Jau Umandal and Marck Espejo, considering they committed a total of 26 errors in the one-hour, 19-minute encounter.
Veloso said that what’s important now is for the players to take to heart all the lessons they learned against the higher-ranked Chinese side.
“The score is not the same when you look, oh, 3-0, but the fight is good. And this is important because I told my players that sometimes we win, but every time you need to learn. When you look at the score, it’s three sets but it’s so close. I’m happy with the match today,” said Veloso.
With the loss, Alas Pilipinas must win against the home team, Bahrain, on Wednesday at midnight to secure a spot in the quarterfinals.
“I know the fans, the gym here will be so full, and I expect a very, very good match. It’s our only possibility now; we need to win the match to go to the next round.”
