If it’s a dream, Philippine volleyball doesn’t want to wake up from.
In easily the biggest result for the country in this sport, Alas Pilipinas stunned heavy favorite Egypt, 29-27, 23-25, 25-21, 25-21, for a breakthrough first win in the FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship before an ecstatic crowd at the MOA Arena last night.
It was a magical experience for the Filipinos with so many historical moments written, none bigger than the first triumph in this mammoth quadrennial event.
And the Nationals have no intention of slowing down as they battle another fancied rival – the fearsome Iranians – going for a follow-up win that would send propel them to the Round of 16.
If they can put up the same gallant effort shown against Egypt – with heart, hustle, resilience – the Nationals could stand a chance versus Iran, ranked 14th in the world.
It was a dream-like experience for Alas as the electric atmosphere was felt and the loud celebration reverberated around the venue with the team whooping it up with ecstatic fans.
The result forged a four-way logjam among Alas, Egypt, Iran and Tunisia, which dealt the Philippines a 25-13, 25-17, 25-23 shackling in a game where the Filipinos were visibly nervous playing their first game in the Worlds.
But not on this one where the jitters were gone.
It was replaced by confidence and determination never seen in the team before its battle-scarred Italian coach in Angiolino Frigoni came in.
It was a match that produced so many heroes.
Among them was the country’s undisputed top gun Bryan Bagunas, who rifled in a match-high 25 points, including 23 power kills.
There was also the energetic Leo Ordiales, who delivered a tour de force effort with 21 hits, including crucial bombs that helped seal the deal.
Notes: National women’s team standout Alyssa Solomon is bringing her talent to Japan where she will be playing in the SV League for the Osaka Marvelous. Interestingly, Osaka was the same team Sachi Minowa, formerly Jaja Santiago, played for in the past
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