Alas Men bow to Indonesians

Alta Sports4 months ago · 335 views

Photo: POC Media Pool

By Rachel Gonzales

Alas Pilipinas suffered its first loss after bowing to three-time defending champion Indonesia, 25-17, 27-25, 26-24, in the men’s volleyball competition of the 33rd Southeast Asian Games on Tuesday at Indoor Stadium Huamark in Bangkok.

Despite the defeat, the Filipinos still advanced to the semifinals for the first time since their silver medal run in the 30th edition of the SEA Games in 2019.

Indonesia, led by star spiker Rivan Nurmulki, controlled the opening set and held off a determined Alas rally in the final two frames to secure the top seed in Group B.

The Indonesians have ruled the last three SEA Games editions.

Alas showed resolve in the third set as Bryan Bagunas scored three straight points to spark a 10-7 start. Nurmulki answered with key attacks, while Daffa Naufal Mauluddani swung the momentum back in Indonesia’s favor with a 20-17 lead.

Owa Retamar later blocked Nurmulki twice to knot the set at 20-all.

The teams remained locked at 23 before Boy Arnez Arabi pushed Indonesia to match point. Marck Espejo saved one, but Nurmulki delivered a back-row hit for the advantage before Mauluddani closed the match with a block.

“We were focused on this game, but some things weren’t going well, especially our serve,” said Alas coach Angiolino Frigoni.

“We had the same problem against Myanmar, and we have to improve there. I’m not disappointed with the team. We made some mistakes, but that can happen. Serving was not the key point, but it was an important point today.”

After a sluggish first set, the Filipinos nearly turned the tide in the second.

Trailing 21-19, Alas surged ahead behind a Peng Taguibolos quick hit, a Jade Disquitado ace and a Lloyd Josafat block for a 22-21 lead. The set went to extra points before Indonesia pulled away behind Mauluddani and Nurmulki to take a two-set cushion.

The Philippines will face the top seed from Group A, either Thailand or Vietnam, in the semifinals on Thursday.

—JMS, Alta Sports