Heartbreak for Alas Men as Thailand completes reverse sweep in SEA V.League

Alas Pilipinas Men failed to sustain their early momentum, falling victim to a stunning reverse sweep by Thailand, 25-18, 25-18, 14-25, 23-25, 7-15, in the SEA V. League Leg 2 on Saturday in Indonesia. 

The loss sent the Filipinos to a 1-2 card as they are now on the brink of finishing outside the podium anew while the multi-titled Thais improved to 2-1 to remain on track for four gold medals in a row. 

The Philippines staged a comeback in Set 4 with Peng Taguibolos punishing Thailand's floor defense with back-to-back aces, 10-12, but Amornthep Khonan and Chaiwat Thungkham proved to be the one-two punch for the Thais as they soared to a 23-20 cushion.

Khonan sent Thais to set point before middle blocker Kissada Nilwasai completed a quick play that dragged the Philippines to another five-set duel. 

The Filipinos kept it close early in the final frame with Leo Ordiales unloading a kill from the right side for a 5-6 deficit. Thailand, though, retaliated with three straight points capped by another opposite kill from Khonan, 9-5. 

Alas could not solve the puzzle that was Thailand's net defense as the Leg 1 champions strung together two consecutive denials on Jade Disquitado and Ordiales for a 12-6 advantage. 

Ordiales would still come up with another kill, but three straight errors from the Philippines allowed Thailand to complete the mighty reverse sweep. 

The Philippines will look to end its campaign on a high note on Sunday against Vietnam while Thailand will take on host Indonesia for its final assignment. 

—JKC, GMA Integrated News