Alas Pilipinas Men Outplayed by Thailand in SEA V.League Match

Alas Pilipinas Men suffered their first setback in the opening leg of the 2025 SEA V.League, falling to perennial rival Thailand in straight sets, 16-25, 22-25, 24-26, on Thursday night at the Candon City Arena.

Still playing without key players Louie Ramirez and Owa Retamar, the Philippines struggled to break through Thailand’s consistency and experience.

The defeat also extends Thailand’s undefeated run in the SEA V.League to eight matches, while denying the Filipinos a chance at redemption following their previous loss to Thailand during the 2025 AVC Challenge Cup, where the Thais relegated them to the battle for 10th place.

After an impressive opening-day sweep of Vietnam, Alas Pilipinas couldn’t maintain momentum against the world No. 57 squad. Thailand’s balance, poise, and well-executed plays once again proved too much for the host nation.

Despite the loss, UAAP standouts Leo Ordiales, Buds Buddin, and Kennedy Batas tried to rally the squad, especially in the second and third sets. In Set 3, the Filipinos surged ahead 23-21 behind the efforts of Buddin and Peng Taguibolos after trailing 20-21.

Buddin brought the team to set point with an off-system hit, making up for a service error from Batas.

However, with the Philippines ahead 24-23, a costly service error by Fil-Am spiker Jackson Reed opened the door for Thailand, who responded with three straight points—courtesy of back-to-back hits from Anurak Phanram and Amornthep Khonhan, followed by a match-clinching block by Prasert Pinkaew on Buddin—to steal the set and complete the sweep.

Thailand outperformed the Philippines in attack points (49-34) and blocks (5-3). Both teams were tied with three aces apiece.

WATCH: Alas Alas Pilipinas vs. Thailand (July 10, 2025) Game Highlights

Amornthep led all scorers with 20 points built on 18 attacks, one block, and one ace. Kissada Nilsawai added 14 markers, including 11 attacks, two blocks, and one ace.

On the Philippine side, Buddin paced the team with 11 points (10 attacks, 1 block), while Leo Ordiales contributed 10 points, including 8 attacks, one block, and one ace.

With their record now at 1-1, Alas Pilipinas will look to bounce back against winless Cambodia on Saturday, July 12 at 6:00 PM, following a much-needed one-day break.