Despite falling to Thailand in the final match of the 2024 Men’s SEA V. League first leg, Alas Pilipinas emerged with a historic achievement by securing the bronze medal at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila on Sunday.
Thailand, the dominant team throughout the tournament, secured their first SEA V. League title with a 28-26, 25-15, 25-16 victory over Alas, completing a perfect 3-0 record in the four-team tournament.
This win marks a significant turnaround for Thailand after finishing with silver and bronze in last year's inaugural event.
For Alas Pilipinas, the bronze medal represents a monumental achievement.
Despite a 1-2 record in the tournament, their strong opening win against Vietnam (0-3) was crucial in clinching their podium finish.
The team’s performance was particularly commendable given the absence of star player Bryan Bagunas, who was sidelined due to an injury sustained in their previous match against Indonesia.
In the final, Thailand’s Napadet Bhinijdee and Kissada Nilsawai led the charge with 14 points each, supported by Anurak Phanram’s 13 points. Thailand’s sweep of the tournament was marked by their undefeated run, including wins over Indonesia and Vietnam.
Noel Kampton led Alas with 10 points, while Leo Ordiales and Buds Buddin contributed seven points each.
Kampton praised the team’s resilience and the guidance of Italian head coach Angiolino Frigoni, despite the challenges posed by injuries.
"All out talaga kami kahit maraming injuries sa team. Kailangan lang namin magtiwala sa process kasi sobrang okay si coach Angiolino. Wala talaga akong masabi," Kampton said.
This bronze-medal finish for Alas Pilipinas is a remarkable follow-up to the women's team’s back-to-back bronze medals in the SEA V. League just the week before in Vietnam and Thailand.
It also sets a positive tone for the Filipino spikers as they prepare for the FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship, which will be hosted solo by the Philippines next year.
Photo by Angelo Rosales/Tiebreaker Times
