Alas Men absorbs loss to Pakistan in Nations Cup opener

Fresh off from their dominant three-day Alas Pilipinas Invitationals, Alas Men absorbed a four-set loss, 25-18, 25-12, 18-25, 25-22, to World No. 49 Pakistan in their game opener of the AVC Men’s Volleyball Nations Cup 2025, Tuesday night, June 17, in Manama, Bahrain.

Following a rough start in the first two sets, Alas Men bounced back in the third set with Leo Ordiales igniting a crucial rally pouring 10 of his game-high 22 points to keep the match alive.

Down 19-22 in the fourth set, Ordiales teamed up with his fellow National University stars Buds Buddin and Peng Taguibolos to trim the deficit to one, 21-22.

However, they lost steam as Pakistan came through with crucial plays in the closing moments, capped by a costly error from Alas Men that sealed the victory for their opponents.

Buddin and Steven Rotter added 10 markers each in the loss. Team captain Marck Espejo was sidelined in the opening set after suffering an apparent left foot injury sustained in the final play of the frame.

Alas Men will take on Chinese Taipei in a must-win battle on Wednesday, June 19, at 7:00 pm (Manila time).