Alas Pilipinas males’s crew celebrates a degree towards Indonesia within the AVC Problem Cup for Males 2024. –AVC PHOTO
Sergio Veloso continues to carry his head excessive together with Alas Pilipinas within the Asian Volleyball Confederation Problem Cup.
Alas landed a breakthrough win, 25-23, 23-25, 25-14, 25-22, Wednesday night time (Manila time) towards the under-20 Indonesia aspect in Manama, Bahrain.
The Filipinos will attempt to end their marketing campaign sturdy and combat Thailand, which handed Chinese language-Taipei a 25-17, 25-15, 25-20 beating later within the night time, for a barely higher end final yr at tenth place on Friday at 7 p.m. (Manila time).
“I push my crew to offer 100/110 % on a regular basis,” Veloso advised the Inquirer by means of chat. “They will need to have a powerful thoughts and benefit from the recreation. After they obtain this, they play with high quality.”
Alas didn’t qualify to the semifinal spherical after straight-sets losses towards China and host Bahrain within the preliminaries, however delivered its greatest efficiency reverse the younger Indonesia crew.
Skipper Marck Espejo carried the Nationals behind his 20-point efficiency from 17 assaults, two aces and a block whereas reigning UAAP Rookie of the 12 months Jade Disquitado of Nationwide College powered by means of with 12 factors from 9 assaults and three blocks.
Center blocker Kim Malabunga had six out of Alas’ 15 complete blocks to finish up with 12 factors.
Lacking protection
That protection was lacking from the Filipinos after they battled China and Bahrain, and in an error-filled second set towards Indonesia, the place well-timed changes helped safe the win.
“The modifications had been constructive and our defensive system labored very nicely. It was a wonderful victory and all gamers had the chance to take the courtroom,” Veloso stated.
Bulldog hitter Nico Almendras additionally had 10 factors along with his collegiate teammate Owa Retamar orchestrating Alas’ offense.
“They’re very completely happy not just for the victory but in addition for having performed nicely,” Veloso added because the Filipinos look to be even higher of their last recreation and reduce their 24 errors.
“Our service might be necessary. We have to trigger issues with the opponent’s obtain,” Veloso stated. “And hold the identical focus in [sticking to] our system.”
