Alas Pilipinas opens SEA Games campaign with straight-set win over Myanmar

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Alas Pilipinas overcame a jittery start to secure a straight-sets 25-23, 25-20, 25-21 win over Myanmar Saturday, December 13, in men’s indoor volleyball at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Bangkok’s Indoor Stadium Huamark. Veteran hitters Bryan Bagunas and Marck Espejo spearheaded the effort, helping the national squad open its medal bid on a positive note.

Despite struggling defensively and giving away points off miscues, particularly from the service line, the Filipinos regrouped and executed key plays in critical moments. Their teamwork and reliance on experience allowed them to withstand Myanmar’s persistent challenge.

Alas Pilipinas now sits one win away from a semifinal berth after back-to-back fifth-place finishes following a silver medal run in the 2019 Manila edition.

Team Philippines huddles after defeating Myanmar at Indoor Stadium Huamark. [POC Media Pool]

Bagunas, Espejo carry the load

Head coach Angiolino Frigoni emphasized adjustments, especially during break points, as he noted that some players were still not in optimal condition. Bagunas delivered 16 kills, one ace, and one kill block for a total of 18 points. Espejo added nine of his 10 points on kills, while Leo Ordiales contributed 10 markers, including a key ace and a kill block to seal the match.

The Philippines faced resistance in the third set, leading 22-18 before Myanmar trimmed the deficit to 22-21. Crucial kills from Ordiales and Espejo, followed by a well-timed kill block from setter Owa Retamar, ended the contest decisively.

Road to a breakthrough gold

Alas will face three-time defending champion Indonesia on Tuesday as it aims for its first gold medal in men’s indoor volleyball. The team’s slow start in the opening set saw it trailing 16-21, but a closing 9-2 run capped by Bagunas and Espejo turned the momentum in the Philippines’ favor.

Back-to-back aces from Ordiales gave the Philippines a 20-16 advantage in the second set, with Bagunas, Lloyd Josafat, and Jade Disquitado contributing decisive kills and aces to extend the match lead to 2-0. Myanmar’s top performers included Wai with 13 points, Chane Nyein Zaw with 10, and Kyaw with nine.