Amid world championship preps, Alas Men quickly fall off AVC title contention

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Alas Pilipinas Men ended its stint in the 2025 AVC Men's Champions League without winning a set, dropping from contention at the hands of Chinese club Shanghai Bright Men's Volleyball

MANILA, Philippines – Alas Pilipinas Men got kicked out of playoff contention in the 2025 AVC Men’s Champions League after yielding to the Shanghai Bright Men’s Volleyball Club in straight sets, 25-12, 25-21, 25-18, at the Panasonic Arena in Hirakata, Japan, on Tuesday, May 13.

Alas, carrying the Cignal HD Spikers moniker, was quickly dispatched by the Chinese club, which only needed 64 minutes to conclude the lopsided matchup.

The Philippine side will end its stint in the continental meet with a 0-2 record, while Osaka Bluteon of Japan (2-0), and Shanghai (1-1), are set to advance to the knockout quarterfinals.

The game comes after a sweep loss against Osaka, which forced the Philippines to win the Chinese matchup to stay afloat in Pool B.

Following a lopsided affair in the first set, where Shanghai quickly dispatched Alas, the Philippines fought better in the second chapter, before the Chinese was able to pull away after turning a 5-6 deficit into a 16-10 lead.

Refusing to go down late in the set, Alas was able to come within three, 24-21, but Cignal’s Louie Ramirez committed an attack error that ended the second frame, 25-21.

Alas momentarily led in the third set, 3-2, before permanently surrendering the advantage as Shanghai wrapped it up.

The Philippines once again had an error-plagued outing, committing 24 errors, one more than the 23 it had in Alas’ loss against Osaka.

A positive sign emerged as Alas outscored Shanghai in the attack department, 35-33, but was dominated at the net, as the Chinese held a wide 11-2 advantage in blocks.

Steve Rotter and Ramirez led the way with 11 points each, while Marck Espejo chipped in 7.

Meanwhile, Xiu Chengcheng topped all scorers with 16 markers, built on 12 attacks, 3 rejections, and a service ace.

Alas Pilipinas continues its preparation for an upcoming stint in the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship, set to be hosted by Manila in September. – Rappler.com