Unbeaten Thailand closes out with Alas sweep in SEA V. League endgame stunner

MANILA, Philippines, July 11 ------ Alas Pilipinas Men’s valiant efforts went for naught in the clutch as powerhouse Thailand rallied late to pull off a 25-16, 25-22, 26-24 sweep to stay unbeaten in the 2025 SEA V. League first leg in Candon, Ilocos Sur.

Tournament leading scorer Khonhan Amornthep showed off his full arsenal in front of a big partisan Ilocano crowd with a game-high 20 points on 18 attacks, 1 block and 1 ace as Thailand stayed undefeated at 2-0, while middle blocker Nilsawai Kissada scored 14 on 11 hits, 2 rejections, and 1 ace.

After combining for 36 points in three sets against Vietnam just a day prior, Buds Buddin and Leo Ordiales again led the undermanned Philippine squad with 11 and 10 points, respectively, as standout spiker Louie Ramirez and setter Owa Retamar sat out for the second straight game. Already at set point, 24-22, after a Buddin scoring spree from down 20-21, Fil-Am spiker Steven Rotter bungled the frame winner with a service error that gifted a point and possession to Thailand.

That was the small window the veteran Thais needed to power down consecutive kills from Phanram Anurak and Amornthep to suddenly seize match point, 25-24, before Pinkaew Prasert slammed the door shut on Alas with a huge block on Buddin to complete the sweep off the stunning endgame turnaround. Alas will have one day off to lick its wounds before venting its ire on underdog Cambodia on Saturday, July 12, 6 pm.

Source: rappler.com