Bryan Bagunas set the stage ablaze early on, and soon, the entire Alas Pilipinas team joined in on the dazzling display. After two hours and 12 minutes of electrifying volleyball action, the Philippines triumphed 25-21, 25-22, 18-25, 25-23 over Vietnam on Friday, ending their run of futility in the Southeast Asian V-League.
The crowd at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium erupted in jubilation with every point, and the celebration reached a crescendo when Bagunas sealed the victory with a thunderous strike.
The win not only marked a significant moment for Alas Pilipinas but also served as sweet revenge for their heartbreaking straight-sets loss to the Vietnamese in the Challenger Cup last May.
Under the guidance of Italian coach Angiolino Frigoni, Alas Pilipinas made a powerful statement with this win. Bagunas played a pivotal role, showcasing his sharp serves and explosive attacks.
As the game progressed, Frigoni gave the young players a chance to shine, and they did not disappoint.
Bagunas led the charge with 19 points, including 15 attacks, two blocks, and two aces. This victory marked the Philippines' first-ever win in the young league, following a disappointing performance in the two legs of last year's tournament.
Coach Frigoni emphasized the importance of player rotation and merit-based selection, saying, “Everybody has to be ready. We play with the players, not with the name on the shirt. The players have to play; it doesn’t matter if it’s their first time on the national team.”
Michaelo Buddin, making his debut, added 14 points with nine attacks, three blocks, and two aces. Louie Ramirez contributed 11 points, all from attacks, showcasing the depth and talent of the team.
For Vietnam, Pham Van Hiep and Duong Van Tien each scored 15 points, while Nguyen Ngoc Thuan added 14 points of his own.
Looking ahead, Alas Pilipinas will face Indonesia on Saturday, while Vietnam will battle Thailand in the ongoing Southeast Asia V-League.
