By: Czarina Agaton
Alas Pilipinas Men yielded to SV.League club team Osaka Bluteon after a three-set match, 27-29, 23-25, 12-25, to start off the first leg of the Alas Pilipinas Invitationals on Saturday at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.
This was the Philippines’ first game back without team captain Bryan Bagunas, due to an injury on his left knee during their game at the 2024 SEA V.League against Indonesia.
It also marked Alas Men’s return to competitive play after their back-to-back bronze medal finishes at the SEA V.League.
According to Coach Frigoni, the team had to adjust when it came to the defense and the blockings, especially against a heightened level of competition.
“To play against Japan, you need a lot of attention. The level of attention should always be very high. We weren’t able to stay attentive for so long,” said Italian head coach Angiolino Frigoni.
“But I am pretty happy for what we did today, because this game is very important, very very important.”
The Japan-based club team narrowly won the first set, utilizing a late four-point run to draw first blood.
Alas Pilipinas regained their momentum with back-to-back points from Jade Disquitado and Buddin, getting the lead in the second set (19-15).
However, similar to their first set defeat, the Philippines’ fell flat late via a 10-4 closing blow by Bluteon.
With the tight affairs in the first two sets, Japan relied on their services and their defense (six aces, four blocks) to complete their sweep of Alas Men.
The Philippines will be facing Osaka Bluteon again tomorrow to close the Invitationals at the same time and venue.
