Alas Pilipinas Men outlast Thailand, complete sweep of Invitationals
The Alas Pilipinas Men outlasted the Thailand national team, 21-25, 25-21, 25-22, 21-25, 15-12, on Thursday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum to complete a sweep of the Invitationals.
After Thailand led 3-1 in the final set, the nationals made a 4-0 run to take the lead, before Leo Ordiales' attack went out. He made up for it however by scoring back-to-back to take a 7-4 lead. The Thais eventually caught up and led 10-9 before the Philippines made a 3-0 run capped by a Marck Espejo ace. The national team veteran had a service error but Buds Buddin came in clutch to put the Philippines at match point. Thailand salvaged one before Espejo punctuated the match.
Espejo led Alas' offense with 31 points from 24 attacks, 6 aces, and a block, while Louie Ramirez and Steven Rotter had 15 and 13 points, respectively.
Amorntep Konhan led the Thais with 25 points, while Chaiwat Thungkham and Kissada Nilsawai had 17 and 13 points, respectively.
Earlier, Jakarta Bhayangkara Presisi defeated the Hyundai Capital Skywalkers in five sets as well, 22-25, 25-12, 25-23, 20-25, 15-11.
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
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