Alas Pilipinas put up a valiant effort against world no. 49 Pakistan before losing in four sets in their 2025 AVC Men's Volleyball Nations Cup opener.
Alas Pilipinas Men came up short in their comeback bid in the 2025 AVC Men’s Volleyball Nations Cup opener after faltering to 46th-ranked Pakistan in four sets, 18-25, 12-25, 25-18, 23-25, at the Isa Bin Rashid Hall, Isa Town, Bahrain on Tuesday, June 17.
After being dominated in the first two sets, Alas Men showed great fight in the third behind Leo Ordiales, who carried the national team with eight points in the frame alone.
Fellow NU stars Buds Buddin and Peng Taguibolos also came alive in the fourth set as the Philippine squad threatened to force a deciding frame.
But after a 5-0 blast, Pakistan suddenly roared back behind its strong service line, eventually retaking the lead at 8-7.
The two teams continued to exchange attacks and blocks until the Pakistanis gave themselves a four-point lead at 20-16.
Alas Men would make one last effort after cutting the deficit to just a single point at 21-22. However, crucial successful block touch challenges by Pakistan seemingly gave them the necessary points to seal the win.
Ordiales led Alas Men with a game-high 22 points on 15 attacks, five blocks, and two service aces. Steven Rotter added 10 markers in the loss.
Team captain Marck Espejo was limited to just the first set after suffering an apparent left foot injury in the final play of the frame.
Alas Men will enter a must-win battle against Chinese Taipei tomorrow at 7:00 p.m.