CANDON, Ilocos Sur — Alas Pilipinas suffered a disappointing start to its 2026 Southeast Asian Men’s V Cup campaign after Cambodia pulled off a stunning 25-23, 28-30, 25-20, 22-25, 15-8 victory on Wednesday at the Candon City Arena here.
The loss puts the Philippines in a must-win situation against reigning AVC Men’s Cup champion Indonesia on Friday at 5:30 p.m. to keep its hopes of advancing out of Pool A and into the knockout stage of the regional tournament, hosted by Candon City Mayor Eric Singson with the support of the Philippine Sports Commission and the Philippine Olympic Committee.
“Sobrang nakaka-overwhelm kasi given naman na bagong team kami na binuo dito sa SEA V Cup pero alam naman natin na pinakita naman lahat ng bawat isa kung paano maglaro tapos yung kapit sa game na ‘to pero kinapos lang. Pero, ayun nga, sabi ni coach Frigoni, matuto kami sa pagkatalo na ‘to,” said Alas Pilipinas outside hitter Jude Garcia, who made his indoor national team debut.
The Philippines forced a deciding fifth set after newcomers Lirick Mendoza and Garcia joined FIVB Men’s World Championship veteran Louie Ramirez in spearheading a late 3-1 run to seal the fourth set, 25-22.
However, Alas Pilipinas ran out of steam in the decider as Voeurn Veasna, Pin Sarun, Kuon Mom, and Phol Ratanak fueled Cambodia’s blistering 11-4 start, paving the way for the historic victory in two hours and 14 minutes.
Veasna erupted for a match-high 33 points on an efficient 28-of-51 attacking clip while adding three blocks and two aces.
Mom chipped in 11 points, while Ratanak finished with 10 markers, highlighted by four blocks. Sarun added eight points as Cambodia secured its first-ever SEA V Cup victory after going winless (0-8) in its tournament debut last year.
Middle blocker Joshua Magalaman was a bright spot for the Philippines in his national team debut, tallying a team-high 21 points built on 15 attacks, four blocks, and two aces.
Five-time Spikers’ Turf MVP Jude Garcia contributed 20 points, while Ramirez added 17. Al-Bukharie Sali finished with 10 points, and converted opposite hitter Lirick Mendoza chipped in eight.
In the day’s earlier match, Thailand recovered from a second-set stumble to defeat Vietnam, 33-31, 18-25, 25-19, 25-16, in Pool B.
Captain Amornthep Khonhan turned the tide after entering in the third set, helping the Thais dominate the final two frames. He finished with 14 points on 10 attacks, three blocks, and one ace despite playing only the last two sets.
Chaiwat Thungkham led Thailand with 21 points, while Nadapet Bhinijdee added 19.
Nguyen Ngoc Thuan and Pham Quoc Du paced Vietnam with 16 points each.
