Alas Pilipinas plots payback

The Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) urged a quick turnaround, calling for grit in the face of adversity after Alas Pilipinas narrowly missed a podium spot in the first leg of the Southeast Asian V. League in the City of Candon in Ilocos Sur.

The federation noted that a 2-2 win-loss result for a young team missing key players is commendable but emphasized the need for consistency after an up and down week — Alas Pilipinas scored an impressive straight-sets win over perennial medal contender Vietnam but needed five sets to get past Cambodia, which was only recently promoted to the top-flight after topping the SEA VL Challenge.

Alas Pilipinas also displayed great intensity in a three-set loss to eventual champion Thailand but seemed a step slower in the crucial match against Indonesia, which went on to claim silver with a 25-19, 25-17, 25-17 demolition of the home squad on Sunday night.

“The team needs to learn from their mistakes, their errors,” PNVF said in a statement.

“Two wins and two losses, overall it’s a good result with this young team. But we still need to work harder.”

The country’s volleyball body added that he is hoping injured veterans Marck Espejo (ankle) and Bryan Bagunas (knee) can return well ahead of the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship Philippines 2025.

Leo Ordiales was the steady presence for Alas Pilipinas after earning Best Opposite Hitter honors.

The second leg gets going on Wednesday in Indonesia, and team captain Kim Malabunga said the team needs to “regroup and recalibrate” quickly.

The Philippine team left Manila for Jakarta on Monday.