SEA Games volleyball: Semis-bound Alas Men fall to Indonesia to close out group stage

Alas Pilipinas Men made a late run, but Indonesia just proved to be too much for them in a 17-25, 25-27, 24-26 loss in their final group stage clash in the 2025 SEA Games men's volleyball tournament on Tuesday in Thailand.

The Filipinos showed grit in the final frame but ultimately fell short, closing the preliminary phase with a 1-1 record, while reigning three-time SEA Games champion Indonesia topped Group B with a perfect 2-0 slate.

Despite the loss, the Philippines will still advance to the semifinals by finishing second in their group. 

After dropping the opening set, the history-making Alas showed resilience in the following frames, with middle blocker Lloyd Josafat helping them take a 22-21 lead in Set 2. 

Alas even forced a 25-all deadlock, but a miscommunication on the final play proved costly as Indonesia claimed the set to move just one set away from a sweep.

Alas then found itself in a three-point deficit in the crucial third set, but the Philippines' net defense suddenly clicked as setter Owa Retamar and middle blocker Peng Taguibolos connived in back-to-back denials against Rivan Nurmulki to tie it up at 20-all. 

Leo Ordiales' opposite kill off an overpass would see both teams at 23-all deadlock, but Boy Arnez Arabi's hammer from the left wing allowed Indonesia to take the match point at 24-23. 

Marck Espejo pumped some hope into Alas by going over three blockers to save one match point, but he didn't complete the rejection on Rivan in the next play as the Indonesians cruised to their second match point. 

A three-man block on Espejo then sealed it for Indonesia, which is looking to secure its fourth straight gold medal in the regional biennial meet. 

—JMB, GMA Integrated News