Indonesians expose Filipinos’ weak spots

BANGKOK, Thailand — Alas Pilipinas has a lot to work on if it aspires to win a historic gold medal in the 33rd Southeast Asian Games men’s indoor volleyball.

Three-time defending champion Indonesia exposed the areas Alas will need to address as the Filipino spikers suffered a 17-25, 25-27, 24-26, setback at the close of pool play Tuesday at the Indoor Stadium Huamark here.

Alas had shot itself in the foot far too many times during the game.

The Philippines committed 25 errors, almost half of which came from the service area. Alas had five service errors in the opening frame, six in the second and a couple more in the last set.

“We were focusing on this game, it’s not that we were not focusing. We just had some things that were not going well today, and I think it’s very evident that the serve was not going well. We had the same problem against Myanmar, and I hope we get better with our service,” Alas Italian head coach Angiolino Frigoni said.

Although a no-bearing match with both teams already through to the semifinals, the Indonesians, led by star spiker Rivan Nurmulki, reminded Alas why they’re the reigning three-time titlists in the biennial meet.

Alas tried to extend the match in the third set with Marck Espejo saving a match point to knot it at 24.

But Nurmulki was quick to answer with a kill before Daffa Naufal Mauluddani soared for a kill block to complete Indonesia’s two-game sweep of Group B.

Bryan Bagunas scored 16 points, Espejo got nine markers while Leo Ordiales finished with eight.

The Indonesians, who defeated Alas in the gold medal match of the 2019 Manila edition, will face the No. 2 seed in Group A in the semifinal on Thursday.

Alas will take on the top seed in the other group, which could either be Thailand or Vietnam, which were still playing as of press time.

Alas put up a gallant stand in the second set behind Bryan Bagunas, Marck Espejo and Leo Ordiales following a shaky opening frame.

The Philippines reached set point, 24-23, after Indonesia committed a service error but Espejo also sent his serve long in the next play.

Another miscue at the service line put Alas back at set point advantage. Mauluddani fired back with a quick attack before Boy Arabi put Indonesia ahead, 26-25.

Nurmulki then blocked Bagunas for a 2-0 match lead.

Nurmulki dropped 22 points while Arabi got 12.