Alas Pilipinas Men passed their first test against a gutsy Myanmar side, sweeping their opener 25-23, 25-20, 25-21 to move to the cusp of a semifinals berth in the 33rd Southeast Asian Games at the Indoor Stadium Huamark in Bangkok, Thailand.
It was a close affair from start to finish, with the Burmese squad giving the Filipinos a tough challenge through smart attacks and disciplined defense. Still, the Philippines’ firepower and experience proved decisive as they navigated pressure situations en route to the straight-set win.
“Just we have to defend more, and the weight of the block, and the timing about the block, they made many block outs,” said Alas head coach Angiolino Frigoni.
With Myanmar still within striking distance late in the third set, Bryan Bagunas erupted for six points in a decisive 7-4 run that turned a slim 16-14 lead into a four-point, 22-18 advantage, pushing the Philippines to the brink of victory.
However, Buds Buddin and Leo Ordiales misfired on service and attack attempts. Ya Htike Wai then fired a searing ace that brought the Burmese side to within one, 21-22, threatening to extend the match.
But that proved to be the end of Myanmar’s brave stand. Ordiales delivered a down-the-line attack, before Marck Espejo pierced through the blockers.
Kim Malabunga sealed the set with a game-winning rejection on Hein Moew Zaw, putting the Philippines 1-0 in Pool B.
“I think siguro ‘yun nga, nanibago siguro sa isa’t isa. Ayun, medyo may pressure ‘yung team. Sabi naman namin, wala naman kaming kailangang anuhin dito, nothing to lose pa rin naman,” said Bagunas after the win.
“Alam naman namin may mailalabas kaming magandang laro, ayun medyo pangit lang ‘yung first two sets namin, medyo shaky nga pero nakita ko naman nung third set, lalo na si Leo Ordiales, talagang bumawi,” he added.
Alas struggled to find rhythm early, as the Burmese capitalized by repeatedly tooling the block with sharp off-the-hands attacks to seize control of the opening set, building a lead that ballooned to as much as five points at 21-16.
However, Espejo and newcomer Al-Bukharie Sali — who subbed in for the misfiring Ordiales — combined for five points in a decisive 7-1 run that pushed Alas ahead, 23-22. Myo Min Oo briefly halted Myanmar’s surge, but Bagunas and Espejo delivered the finishing touches to give the Philippines the set.
A back-and-forth affair unfolded in the second frame until Ordiales found his rhythm. He drilled three points — including two aces — in a 4-0 run that broke a 16-all deadlock and gave Alas a 20-16 cushion.
The Philippines’ sloppy execution almost cost them, with Myanmar answering back with a 5-1 run that sliced the lead to just one, 20-21.
But coach Frigoni made the necessary late adjustments, inserting Lloyd Josafat, who set up Bagunas for a thunderous off-the-block kill before scoring on a block himself. Jade Disquitado sealed the set with an ace to cap a 4-0 run powered by the second unit.
“We have to change up, especially in break point. We didn’t serve good, we didn’t [defend], some players. They are not in very good condition yet. I hope we will get them in condition for the next match,” Frigoni said.
Bagunas fired a team-high 18 points on 16 attacks, one block, and one ace, while Ordiales and Espejo contributed 10 points each for Alas.
Middle blockers Peng Taguibolos and Malabunga also made their presence felt, finishing with seven and six markers, respectively, in the 72-minute encounter.
The Philippines dominated across the board, outscoring Myanmar 45-38 in attacks, 9-3 in blocks, and 4-0 in aces.
Alas will look to carry this momentum when they take on Indonesia on Thursday at 1:30 PM at the same venue.
Wai led Myanmar with 13 points, all from attacks, while Chan Nyein Zaw added 10 points.
