FILE– Alas Pilipinas during a game in the SEA V-League. –CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — Alas Pilipinas missed out on the SEA V.League podium anew after falling to Vietnam, 23-25, 25-21, 17-25, 16-25, on the final day of the second leg on Sunday at Jakarta International Velodrome in Indonesia.
The Philippine men’s national volleyball team was unable to return to the regional podium after clinching back-to-back bronze medals in both legs last year.
READ: Alas Pilipinas loses to Thailand in five-set heartbreaker
Alas ended the second leg with a 1-3 record, failing to repeat its sweep of Vietnam in the first leg held in Candon, Ilocos Sur. The Filipinos placed fourth in both legs this year, following a 2-2 finish in Candon.
Jade Disquitado led the injury-riddled squad in scoring with 17 points in their final game.
Alas Pilipinas continued to reel from absence of Marck Espejo, who was sidelined due to an injury from the AVC Challenge Cup, and Bryan Bagunas, who has yet to return since suffering a knee injury last year.
Buds Buddin added 13 points, while Leo Ordiales, the first leg’s Best Opposite Spiker, chipped in 12 against Vietnam.
Vietnam secured a 2-2 record, assuring itself of at least a bronze medal. It still has a chance to take silver, depending on the result of the final match between unbeaten Indonesia (3-0) and first-leg champion Thailand (2-1).
Alas returns home to begin the final stretch of preparations for its historic hosting of the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship in September.
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