Alas Men romp Vietnam in 2025 SEA V. League kickoff

MANILA, Philippines, July 10 ------ Alas Pilipinas Men got off to a rousing start in their 2025 SEA V. League first leg home campaign in Candon, Ilocos Sur, earning a 25-17, 25-23, 25-19 sweep of favored Vietnam.

Leo Ordiales led the undermanned Filipino crew with 20 points, all off attacks, as Buds Buddin scored 16 off 12 hits and 4 blocks. Two-time UAAP MVP Josh Ybañez steadied the defense with 13 digs and 7 excellent receptions as world No. 67 Philippines reasserted its mastery over No. 61 Vietnam for the third straight time under the SEA V. League banner. It was a tit-for-tat second set finish with Vietnam on the ropes after a first-set beatdown, forcing a 23-all tie in the hope of a 1-1 equalizer heading to the third frame.

Ordiales, however, refused any comeback effort on home soil, making the most of Eco Adajar’s sets with back-to-back bombs for the 25-23 escape and the commanding two-set lead. Though the third set looked headed for a repeat thriller endgame, with Vietnam leading as late as the 19-18 mark, Alas unleashed one final winning surge with the help of its shaky foe, booming a 7-0 rally sparked by back-to-back Vietnamese errors to give the Philippines a 20-19 lead that it never gave up. Lloyd Josafat scored an ace at 23-19 and Buddin ended a long rally for match point, 24-19, before Buddin soared once more for the game-winning block to seal the deal.

Despite not having injured captain Marck Espejo, unwell setter Owa Retamar and rising star spiker Louie Ramirez who attended his college graduation, Alas will have plenty of momentum as it next takes on world No. 57 Thailand on Thursday, July 10, 6 pm.

Source: rappler.com