Alas Pilipinas squander two-set lead in reverse sweep loss to Thailand at SEA V. League Leg 2

Alessandra Gwen Santos

Just eight days after their clash at Leg 1, Alas Pilipinas Men suffered another heartbreak, squandering a commanding two-set cushion in a grueling five-set loss to three-time defending champion Thailand, 18-25, 18-25, 25-14, 25-23, 15-9, during the SEA V. League Leg 2 held in Jakarta, Indonesia, July 19.

Photo Courtesy of ABS-CBN News

Alas looked poised for an upset after dominating the first two sets, but Thailand—showing their championship pedigree—staged a gutsy comeback to steal the match.

With the loss, the Philippines’ gold medal hopes took a major blow—dropping to a 1-2 card and teetering on the edge of another podium miss. Thailand, on the other hand, improved to 2-1.

Momentum shifted sharply in the third set.

Despite taking a 2-0 lead, Alas faltered as they fell behind 17-10, before a costly miscue from Peng Taguibolos handed Thai captain Konhan Amornthep the set-clinching point at 25-14.

Thailand seized early control of the fourth, racing to a three-point lead. Taguibolos briefly sparked a 3-0 run to close the gap to 10-12, but a well-timed hit from Nilsawai Kissada quelled the rally and helped Thailand force a deciding fifth set.

In the decider, Alas kept pace early with a two-man block from Buds Buddin and Steven Joe Josafat tying the score at 3-all. But the Thais responded with a blistering 8-1 run, and a crucial attack from Jade Alex Ramirez hitting the antenna sealed the Filipinos’ five-set collapse.

The Philippines now hope to bounce back and end their campaign on a high note as they face regional rival Vietnam on July 20 at the same venue.