Alas Pilipinas won its first AVC Challenge Cup for Men in 2024, defeating Indonesia in the classification stage on Wednesday in Manama, Bahrain.
The PH team scored 25-23, 23-25, 25-14, and 25-22.
Marck Espejo, co-captain, scored double figures for the first time in three games, scoring 20 points, 17 attacks, two aces, and one block.
National University’s Kim Malabunga (six blocks, five attacks, and an ace) and Jade Disquitado (nine attacks and three blocks) each scored 12 points to boost Espejo on offence and end Alas’ two-game slide.
Nico Almendras, a national team regular who had only played in the last two sets, made an instant impact off the bench with ten quick points on nine attacks and one block.
Leo Ordiales, Alas’ 21-year-old breakout star, also helped the team win the last three games, tossing seven markers in two sets played.
The Philippines is expected to beat its 10th-place performance last year, advancing to the battle for 9th place against either Thailand or Chinese Taipei this coming Friday. Aileen Lor
