Alas Pilipinas during a game against Thailand in the SEA V.League. –CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
Alas Pilipinas looks to recover quickly after falling short against Thailand, as it shoots for a second win in three matches against Cambodia on Saturday in the 5th Southeast Asian Volleyball League at Candon City Arena.
The Philippines dropped a close three-setter to the defending champion on Thursday night, 16-25, 22-25, 24-26, squandering a late third-set lead in what could have extended the match.
READ: SEA V.League: Alas Pilipinas passes Vietnam test with next man up mantra
Expected to have a full lineup this time, Alas Pilipinas is set to welcome back first-choice setter Owa Retamar, who missed the first two games due to illness.
“I’m good to go,” said Retamar, who was a late scratch before the opener against Vietnam and was held out against Thailand as a precaution despite rejoining practice.
“The coaches just wanted to be on the safe side,” he said.
READ: Injuries test Alas Pilipinas depth at SEA V.League
With Echo Adajar running the offense, Alas Pilipinas opened its campaign with a sweep of Vietnam, 25-17, 25-23, 25-19, before dropping Thursday’s tightly contested match.
Alas led by three late in the third but couldn’t close it out, allowing Thailand to rally and seal the sweep.
“Throughout the game, it was even — both teams scored and committed errors,” Retamar said. “The difference came in the crucial points.”
Louie Ramirez is also expected to return after missing the opener to attend his graduation ceremony at University of Perpetual Help.
Cambodia, which dropped its first match to Vietnam, stands in the way as the Philippines tries to improve on last season’s twin bronze finishes and gear up for the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship Philippines 2025.
Buds Buddin said the team needs to be sharper when it matters most.
“Adjustment-wise, we’re getting there, but maybe the execution isn’t there yet,” he said.
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“This is a challenge for us — a wake-up call that whenever you’re in the game, you have to grab that chance and always be ready.”