Alas Men topple New Zealand, wrap up AVC Nations Cup bid at 10th

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Steven Rotter takes charge as Alas Pilipinas Men end their AVC Nations Cup campaign on a winning note

MANILA, Philippines – Alas Pilipinas Men wrapped up their AVC Nations Cup campaign on a high note, taking down New Zealand, 25-16, 23-25, 25-11, 25-22, in the battle for 10th on Tuesday, June 24, in Manama, Bahrain.

It was Alas’ third straight 10th-place finish in the tournament, dropping their first three games before scoring a win in their final match in the classification phase. 

Steven Rotter had 20 points on 17 attacks, 2 aces, and a block to lead the Philippines, while Marck Espejo, who has been Alas’ most consistent scorer, put up 14 points in the team’s lone win in the tournament. 

Louie Ramirez added 14 markers for Alas on top of Peng Taguibolos’ 7-point showing. 

Alas libero Josh Ybanez also showed his worth, tallying 18 digs and 13 receptions. 

The third set proved to be pivotal for Alas as they zoomed to a 17-8 lead early on and never looked back, frustrating the Kiwis en route to a lopsided 25-11 win. 

Alas then put in the finishing touches in the fourth set as Espejo lifted the Filipinos from potential collapse, scoring timely attacks before Taguibolos notched match point, 25-22. 

Seth Grant had 13 points on 10 attacks, a couple of aces, and a block for New Zealand, while Andrew Salmon contributed 12 points. 

Last week, Alas lost to Pakistan and Chinese Taipei to drop its bid for a playoff spot, then bowed to Thailand in straight sets at the start of the classification phase.

The tournament came after a three-day Invitationals tournament at the Araneta Coliseum where the Philippines went undefeated in three games, including a five-set thriller against the Thais. – Rappler.com