Alas Pilipinas Men face a must-win match against Chinese Taipei tonight in the 2025 AVC Men's Volleyball Nations Cup after falling to Pakistan in four sets.
Alas Pilipinas Men find themselves in a do-or-die situation as they take on Chinese Taipei in a crucial Pool C match in the 2025 AVC Men’s Volleyball Nations Cup on Wednesday, June 18, at the Isa Bin Rashed Hall in Manama, Bahrain.
The national team’s quarterfinal hopes hang in the balance after suffering a tough four-set loss to last year's runner-up Pakistan, 18-25, 12-25, 25-18, 22-25, late Tuesday night.
To make matters more difficult, Alas Men may be without team captain Marck Espejo, who exited early after landing awkwardly in the opening set and did not return for the remainder of the match.
With both the Philippines and Chinese Taipei needing just a single win in Pool C, the victor in the 7:00 p.m. showdown could secure one of the two coveted quarterfinal berths.
Despite the setback, Leo Ordiales emerged as a bright spot for the Angiolino Frigoni-coached squad, tallying 22 points on 15 attacks, five blocks, and two aces, along with four excellent digs.
Steven Rotter and Buds Buddin chipped in 10 points apiece in the hard-fought effort.
Alas Men will now look to regroup and deliver under pressure as they fight to stay alive in the continental tournament.
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(With reports from Kiko Demigillo)
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[Editor's note: This article was written by a member of the One Sports Digital with the help of AI, and then checked by the staff to ensure accuracy.]