Bryan Bagunas dazzled in his return, while Michaelo Buddin impressed in his debut as Alas Pilipinas scored its first-ever win in the Men’s Southeast Asia V.League, toppling Vietnam 25-21, 25-22, 18-25, 25-23. This victory marked a winning start in the 2024 edition held at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila on Friday evening.
In the inaugural edition last year, the Philippines went 0-6 across the two legs, settling for last place in both.
“Everybody has to be ready, we play with the players, not with the name on the shirt,” Italian head. coach Angiolino Frigoni said about the player rotations.
“The players have to play, it doesn’t matter if it’s their first time on the national team, for me it doesn’t matter.”
Bagunas, who did not play in the AVC Challenge Cup last June due to commitments with his club team in Taiwan, sparked Alas’ strong start in the first set with eight points, ultimately ending up with 19 points from 15 attacks, two blocks, and two aces.
Buddin, a first-timer on the men’s national team, also showed no rookie jitters, contributing 14 points through nine spikes, three blocks, and two aces. He clinched the first and second sets with an ace and a down-the-line hit, respectively.
Louie Ramirez and Kim Malabunga came up big in the fourth set with clutch hits and blocks, respectively, before Bagunas sealed the win with a sharp crosscourt kill. Ramirez registered 11 points, all from attacks.
“I just told my teammates to treat every point as a championship point in the fourth set. This is my first time being the captain, and I’m trying my best to help the team,” said Bagunas, who helped give Italian head coach Angiolino Frigoni a winning debut.
Pham Van Hiep and Duong Van Tien led Vietnam with 15 points apiece, while Nguyen Ngoc Thuan added 14 of his own.
Alas Pilipinas will aim for a second consecutive win tomorrow when they face Indonesia at 6 p.m.
Earlier in the day, Thailand handed Indonesia its first loss in the tournament’s history after going undefeated last year, winning 25-21, 25-23, 25-20.
Thungkam Chaiwat spearheaded the Thais with 13 points, while Nilsawai Kissada (11), Nhinijdee Napadet (11), and Phanram Anurak (10) also reached double figures.
Anggara Agil Angga led the Indonesians with a game-high 18 points.
