Alas Pilipinas Men absorbed their first loss in the 2025 SEA V.League after coming up short against rivals Thailand in straight sets.
Alas Pilipinas Men could not sustain their momentum as they fell to Thailand in straight sets, 16-25, 22-25, 24-26, in the 2025 SEA V.League first leg Thursday night, July 10, at the Candon City Arena in Ilocos Sur.
After an inspired sweep of Vietnam in their opening match, the Filipinos struggled to match the pace and consistency of world No. 57 Thailand, who once again proved to be a tough matchup on the regional stage.
UAAP stars Leo Ordiales, Buds Buddin, and Kennedy Batas tried to rally the squad in the second and third sets with their explosive attacks, but Thailand's poise and length held strong in the crucial moments.
Tied at 19-all in the third frame, Alas Men finally retook the lead after Amornthep Khonhan’s down-the-line attack sailed just wide.
Thailand, however, would reclaim the lead after a 3-0 run powered by middle blocker Kissada Nilsawai.
But Budin would not allow the Philippine squad to go down that easily, pushing Alas Men at set point 24-22.
However, a costly service error by Jackson Reed allowed Thailand to pounce as Amornthep and Anurak Phanram delivered three straight points to put them at match point.
Prasert Pinkaew then sealed the victory after a huge kill block on Buddin.
Amornthep had a game-high 20 points, while Kissada added 14 markers.
Buddin paced Alas Men with 11 points, backed by Ordiales with 10 in the loss.
This marks the second straight loss for the Philippines against Thailand, who also swept the nationals during the classification round of the AVC Challenge Cup last month.
Despite the setback, the national team remains hopeful of bouncing back in their third match of the first leg on Saturday, July 12, against Cambodia.
Alas Men are still missing the services of Marck Espejo and Owa Retamar due to injury and illness, while Louie Ramirez remains unavailable following his college graduation.