Despite missing some key players, Alas Pilipinas registered their third straight win against Vietnam at the SEA V.League.
It’s a winning start for Alas Pilipinas at the SEA V.League in Candon, Ilocos Sur, even as the home team played undermanned, beating Vietnam in straight sets, 25-17, 25-23, 25-19 at the Candon City Arena on Wednesday night.
Leo Ordiales, who paced Alas Pilipinas in their campaign at the AVC Nations Cup last month, made sure to pick up the slack even as Marck Espejo nurses his ankle injury.
After a lopsided first set, Ordiales helped Alas repulse a win-hungry Vietnam side who went back-and-forth against the Philippines late in the set after starting strong where they seized a 7-3 start off of an attack from Pham Van Hiep.
But Alas wasn’t to be denied as the Filipinos regained control of the match thanks to Ordiales’ consistent offense.
Late in the set, it was neck-and-neck after Vietnam scored to tie the set anew, 23-all.
Ordiales then scored on back-to-back rallies to secure the set and hand Alas PIlipinas the dominating 2-0 lead.
With their backs against the wall, Vietnam came out swinging in Set 3 and played at pace with Alas.
Late in the set, Vietnam took the 19-18 lead, hoping to extend the match.
But Alas was able to regain its bearings, while also taking advantage of errors from Vietnam, with a 7-0 run punctuated by back-to-back points from Buds Buddin to blow Vietnam out of the water and complete the sweep.
Alas thus begins their campaign in the SEA V.League, which will garner ranking points for the first time, with a dominant win.
Ordiales finished with a game-high 20 points built off 20 attacks to pace Alas, who were also missing the services of Louie Ramirez (personal matters), and Owa Retamar (illness).
Buddin added 16 markers while Jade Disquitado and Peng Taguibolos added nine and seven points, respectively.
Ngoc Thuan Nguyen paced Vietnam in the losing effort with 13 points.
The Philippines braces for another familiar foe in Thailand on Thursday for their second match of the five-team tournament.