Manila, Philippines – The whole Philippine volleyball community is heartbroken, as the Alas Pilipinas almost made history once again, yet defeated by Iran this September 18.
This served as the final game of Alas in Bracket A, and winning this one will be their ticket to the Round of 16 in Volleyball Men’s Championship.
It reached up to five sets, with neither team backing down, as they both understand what is at stake.
The Alas Pilipinas had the upper hand of having the match point of the fifth set, they countered and blocked the attack of Team Iran, and almost won the match.
Due to crucial circumstances, it was reviewed by the committee that it was a “net touch” by Alas’ Kim Malabunga, and scored the point for Team Iran.
Iran finally caught up with the overwhelming momentum of Alas and the home crowd in Mall of Asia Arena, and finally upsetting the national team.
The final scores of their match up is 25-21, 21-25, 25-17, 23-25, and 20-22.
The stars of Alas gave it their all; with Bryan Bagunas having 22 points, Leo Ordiales with 21 points, Marck Espejo with 15 points, and Owa Retamar with 42 excellent sets.
With this loss, the Alas will not proceed to the Round of 16 in Men’s World Championship.
The whole world witnessed the world rank no. 77 Alas almost beating the no. 16 Iran, leaving an emphasis that the new era of Philippine Volleyball has just begun.
But we cannot help but wonder, that this is one of our ‘What If’s’ in Philippine sports history.—Kyle Basa, Eurotv News