Alas makes volley history
THE black-clad Alas Pilipinas spikers showed up like they were the rulers of the Taraflex instead of their Egyptian foes last night.
Ranked No. 88 in the world, the Nationals did what many considered the improbable at the expense of the Egyptians—a monumental win that left Philippine National Volleyball Federation President Ramon “Tats” Suzara jumping and clapping in sheer frenzy— and why not?
Playing the match of their lives, the Alas men shocked world No. 20 Egypt 29-27, 23-25, 25-21, 25-21 in Pool A play of the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.
Skipper Bryan Bagunas scored on a booming hit that threaded the hands of Zyad Mohamed and pegged the duel’s match point at 24-21.
Amid the deafening chants of “Laban Pilipinas!” from the 6,000 pro-Filipino fans who erupted for every Alas point and stomped their feet for every defensive stop, veteran Marck Espejo sealed the historic first-ever triumph of the team in the prestigious volleyball extravaganza—and in its maiden stint in the worlds—with a kill block on Abdelrahman Elhossiny Eissa.
“I’m super happy we got the win and that I also played well,” opposite hitter Leo Ordiales said. “After the loss to Tunisia, we had a bonding and talked about our errors and then we practiced hard and we executed well tonight.
“I’m supper happy because the crowd supported us. Sa lahat ng nanooond sa bahay man o dito, sa pamilya ko, para sa inyo ang panalo namin na ito,” added the 6-foot-6 ace.
Bagunas wound up with 25 points from 23 attack and two blocks while Ordiales chipped in 21 markers for the Philippines, which atoned for a 13-25, 17-25, 23-25 setback at the hands of Tunisia last Friday.
Espejo also had 13 as the charges of coach Angiolino Frigoni kept alive their hopes of reaching the Round of 16 with an even 1-1 mark in the 32-team field.
That means Alas’ tiff against Iran and Tunisia’s clash with Egypt tomorrow at the same venue will be knockout battles.
Alas is more than ready to rise to the challenge anew—amid unfounded criticisms from naysayers and unbelievers.
Listen to Frigoni. “If they will give us a chance, we’ll take it.” – With Abby Toralba
