Josh Ybañez, Alas Pilipinas out to settle score vs Thailand in SEA V.League clash

Riding the momentum of a dominant opener, Alas Pilipinas Men will be out for payback as they take on familiar regional rivals Thailand in the first leg of the 2025 SEA V.League on Thursday, July 10 at the Candon City Arena in Ilocos Sur.

After taking down Vietnam in straight sets, 25-17, 25-23, 25-19, on opening day, the Philippines braces for a tough showdown against world No. 57 Thailand—a team that dealt them a stinging straight-sets defeat just last month in the AVC Nations Cup.

Alas, currently ranked No. 67 in the world, got the job done against Vietnam despite missing key cogs in injured team captain Marck Espejo, sick setter Owa Retamar, and spiker Louie Ramirez.

Leo Ordiales took over with a 20-point explosion, while Buds Buddin added 16 markers, including four blocks, to steer the Philippines to a third straight SEA V.League victory over world No. 61 Vietnam.

[ALSO READ: Leo Ordiales credits communication as Alas Pilipinas sweep Vietnam in SEA V.League]

Josh Ybañez, meanwhile, anchored the backline with 13 digs and seven excellent receptions.

But Thursday's match carries more weight than just momentum. Thailand, having avenged their previous loss to the Philippines in the AVC Nations Cup via a 25-21, 25-20, 25-18 sweep, will aim to reclaim their regional dominance.

The last time the two teams met on Philippine soil, Alas Men stunned the Thais in a thrilling five-setter at the Alas Invitational, 25-21, 21-25, 22-25, 25-21, 15-12.

Now, with pride and positioning on the line, Ybañez and company hope to ride their homecourt energy and make it two in a row in Candon.

First serve is set for 6 p.m. at the Candon City Arena.

[ALSO READ: SCHEDULE, RESULTS | Alas Pilipinas Men host SEA V.League Leg 1 in Candon]

(With reports from Kiko Demigillo)

—

[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.]