Rain or Shine clinches fifth win over Blackwater Bossing
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Alas Pilipinas Men fall to Osaka Bluteon
Alas Pilipinas Men displayed a gallant stand against Osaka Blueton, but ultimately came short in both games of the Alas Pilipinas Invitationals on Sunday, September 8, at PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.
Alas absorbed straight sets loss, 25-17, 25-10, 25-21, in a weekend volleyball spectacle that marked the start of the countdown to next year’s FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championships that will be hosted by the Philippines.
Olympian and star spiker Yuji Nishida, also a fan favorite among Filipino fans, led the Japan V.League squad with 12 points anchored from seven attacks, along with four aces and a block completing a sweep of the two exhibition matches against Alas.
Six-foot-2 Cuban Miguel Angel Lopex Castro contributed 10, with nine from attacks and adding an ace for the Japanese club.
Despite the dominant two-day sweep of the Nishida-led team, Alas Pilipinas team captain Kim Malabunga expressed the team members' proud effort due to the encounter that helped them identify the areas they need to work on.
PHOTO COURTESY: PNVF
"The speed in blocking, quickness in other areas. These are just a few of the things we need to focus on," said Malabunga. "Individually and as a team, we have to improve in preparation for the world championships."
“It is a very good experience. It was very, very difficult but for us, it was a very good experience,” added Alas Pilipinas head coach Angiolino Frigoni.
Buds Buddin and Jade Disquitado combined for 15 points for Alas Pilipinas with the former notching nine markers and the latter six.
