MANILA, Philippines — For the first time in FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship stage, Alas Pilipinas made history by pulling off a massive 3-1 victory over world no. 21 Egypt, 29-27, 23-25, 25-21, 25-21, at SM Mall of Asia Arena, Tuesday, September 16.

After a tough straight-sets loss to Tunisia last Friday, a strong response was delivered by the Filipinos as 25 points were exploded by Bryan Bagunas, fueled by 23 powerful spikes, two solid blocks, six digs, and three successful receptions.

Meanwhile, Leo Ordiales also redeemed the team with 21 points, added by Marck Espejo’s 13 markers including the clutch block by which the historic victory was sealed.

From the onset, Alas Pilipinas took early control of the match, with Ordiales closing the first set through a service ace, and the final point of the third set hammered home from the right wing.

Though the second set was taken by Egypt, the Filipinos proved their resilience showing composure and determination to regain momentum in the following frames.

Moreover, it was in the third set where powerful attacks were exchanged, as both teams were thirsted for victory, eventually allowing Alas Pilipinas to take control and claim the frame.

In the last set, a hard-fought battle unfolded as the score was tied early, but Alas Pilipinas quickly answered back with a defensive wall, executing a triple block before Ordiales delivered two straight kills from the opposite side to push the lead to 20-17.

Moreover, the lead was then extended to 21-18 by Bagunas, and Ordiales capitalized on a free ball to give the hosts a four-point cushion.

Egypt managed to trim the gap to 22-20, keeping the crowd on edge when Bagunas broke through the defense to bring the team to match point.

An eruption of cheers filled the arena as the final rejection was delivered by Espejo, Peng Taguibolos, and Kim Malabunga, sealing the Philippines’ first win in FIVB World Championship history.

Now riding high, a do-or-die clash against Iran on Thursday is set to be faced by Alas Pilipinas, with a Round of 16 berth awaiting the winner, alongside the victor of the Egypt-Tunisia encounter.

Article by Ellie Cabalhin