Alas Pilipinas Men stumble vs. Thailand to finish 10th in AVC Challenge Cup

The Alas Pilipinas Men put up a brave stand against Thailand, but ultimately fell short after absorbing a 20-25, 25-23, 22-25, 20-25 loss in their battle for ninth place in the 2024 AVC Challenge Cup on Friday in Manama, Bahrain. 

The Filipinos matched their previous finish in the tournament after also winding up 10th in the 2023 edition while Thailand will exit the tourney at ninth spot after a gold medal run last year. 

After dropping the opening frame, Alas Pilipinas buckled down to work in  the second set with team captain and veteran outside hitter Marck Espejo unleashing the set-winning point, 25-23. 

Reigning UAAP Rookie of the Year Jade Disquitado then showed his wares in Set 3, sending Alas to a crucial 16-15 lead before the Thais countered with a 7-3 rampage that carried them to a 22-19 cushion. 

Middle blocker Pakdeekaew Anuchit's quick kill brought Thailand to the set point before skipper Khonhan Amornthep soared from the back to take a commanding 2-1 lead. 

The Philippines kept it close in the fourth but a double contact violation against Joshua Retamar followed by a service ace Jenthaisong Supakorn sent Thailand to the match point at 24-19. 

Disquitado tried to rally the Filipinos with an off-speed kill, but an attack error from Espejo dealt them another heartbreak as Thailand cruised to the victory. 

—Bea Micaller/JKC, GMA Integrated News