Alas Pilipinas Men aim to end their 2025 AVC Nations Cup campaign on a strong note as they head towards the 9th–11th classification round of the tournament.
Alas Pilipinas Men are set to fight for pride and a strong finish as they enter the 9th–11th classification round of the 2025 AVC Men’s Volleyball Nations Cup in Isa Town, Bahrain.
The national team joins Thailand and New Zealand in the lower bracket after all three squads finished third in their respective pools, missing out on quarterfinal contention. Only the top two teams from each group advanced to the knockout stages.
Alas Men bowed out of Pool C contention following a four-set defeat to Chinese Taipei, 19-25, 25-23, 28-30, 20-25. This setback came after a four-set defeat to last year’s silver medalist, Pakistan, 18-25, 12-25, 25-18, 23-25, placing the Angiolino Frigoni-led squad at 0-2 in pool play.
[ALSO READ: Angiolino Frigoni tempers expectations for Alas Pilipinas despite Invitationals sweep]
In the past two editions of the tournament, the Philippines finished in 10th place after also being sent to the classification round.
Now, the Filipino spikers, led by Marck Espejo and Leo Ordiales, turn their attention to New Zealand and Thailand—two other teams eager to bounce back after disappointing pool performances.
Thailand fell in a shocking five-set collapse against Indonesia, while New Zealand dropped both of its matches in Pool D against Korea and Vietnam.
[ALSO READ: Marck Espejo wills Alas Pilipinas past Thailand in five-set thriller to complete Invitationals sweep]
While a title run is no longer on the table, Alas Men will look to end their campaign on a high note, build chemistry for future tournaments, and regain momentum as part of their long-term preparation for the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship.