Marck Espejo powers Alas Pilipinas in five-set thiller vs Thailand

MANILA, Philippines — Marck Espejo isn’t known as the Phenom for not anything.

Espejo unleashed a wonderful 30-point efficiency as Alas Pilipinas were given the simpler of its Southeast Asian rival, Thailand, 21-25, 25-21, 25-22, 21-25, 15-12, to finish a three-day, four-team Invitationals at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

READ: Marck Espejo powers Alas males previous Hyundai to stick unbeaten

Struggling in his earlier membership stints, the Alas captain proved he nonetheless has what it takes to steer the Philippine workforce, bringing flashes in their SEA Games 2019 silver medal by way of beating Thailand 5 years later in entrance of a just right Independence Day crowd.

“I’m happy because our last win against Thailand was way back in 2019. But of course, this isn’t something we’ll really base things on since it’s just an Invitational,” stated Espejo in Filipino after scoring 23 spikes, six aces, and a block. “It’s more like a way for us to gauge where the team is right now. Still, beating Thailand definitely gives us a big confidence boost.”

With Alas Pilipinas trailing 9-10 within the 5th, Espejo scored an equalizing kill and an ace for a 12-10 lead ahead of committing a carrier error.

National University five-peat champion Buds Buddin put at the completing touches with two consecutive kills, sending the Filipinos at fit level, 14-11, ahead of Chaiwat Thungkham stored some degree.

READ: Alas Pilipinas off to profitable get started in Invitationals

Espejo soared from the again row and nailed the game-winning spike as Alas finished an excellent marketing campaign, following four-set victories over Jakarta Bhayangkara Presisi and Hyundai Capital Skywalkers in its preparation for the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship in September.

“Not yet [my top form]really. I think all of us have limitless expectations for ourselves. If we can push harder, we’ll definitely do it. But volleyball is a team sport, so I feel like there’s still so much more we can bring out—hopefully, in the games to come,” he stated.

Alas Pilipinas males right through the ultimate day of the Invitationals forward of the FIVB Men’s World Championships. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.web

Against the Thais, the house workforce misplaced steam within the fourth set however Leo Ordiales and Buddin got here to the rescue within the 5th, with the previous nailing the well timed hits for a 7-4 get started.

Louie Ramirez and Steven Rotter have been additionally instrumental with 15 and 14 issues, respectively. Kim Malabunga remained a thorn within the aspect of Thailand with 9 issues, together with 4 blocks, whilst Ordiales and Buddin mixed for 11 issues.

The five-time UAAP MVP out of Ateneo waxed scorching proper from the get-go as each nationwide squads break up the primary two units.

READ: Fresh faces to make Alas Pilipinas debut in 3-day Invitational

Alas fought again from a 19-21 deficit within the 3rd with Rotter and Malabunga tying the body. Espejo scored two consecutive hits to succeed in set level ahead of Malabunga gave the house aspect a 2-1 lead.

The nationwide squad heads to Bahrain for the AVC Nations Cup from June 17 to 24.

Thailand completed the pocket event with a 2-1 document regardless of the 25-point effort of Amornthep Khonhan. Chaiwat had 16 issues, whilst Kissada Nilsawai added 12.

Meanwhile, Jakarta Bhayangkara Presisi outlasted Hyundai Capital Skywalkers in 5 units, 22-25, 25-12, 25-23, 20-25, 15-11, to finish its Manila Invitationals with a win in 3 fits.

Arjuna Mahendra carried the Indonesian professional league champions with 24 issues off 16 from assaults, seven blocks and an ace.

Agil Angga delivered 19 issues constructed on 13 assaults, 4 aces and two block issues to deal the Korean champions’ 3rd loss.

Lee Seung Jun powered Hyundai with 21 issues, whilst Lee Jae Hyun added 17.