After their back-to-back bronze finishes last year, Alas Pilipinas slid down to the fourth spot in the first leg of the recently-concluded 2025 SEA Men’s V.League.
Thailand won the championship once again, their third straight title, while Indonesia settled for silver for the third consecutive time. Vietnam improved their rankings to clinch the bronze medals as first-timers, and Cambodia finished the first leg without a win.
Thailand team captain Amorntep Konhan was awarded the Most Valuable Player, while teammates Tanapat Charoensuk and Kissada Nilsawai took home the Best Libero and Best Middle Blocker awards, respectively.
Indonesia’s Jasen Natanael Kilanta was the Best Setter, while Vietnam’s Nguyen Ngoc Thuan and Indonesia’s Boy Arnez Arabi were the Best Outside Spikers of the tournament.
Vietnam’s Tran Duy Tuyen is one of the Best Middle Blockers alongside Thailand’s Kissada Nilsawai. Alas Pilipinas hitter Leo Ordiales won the Best Opposite Spiker Award.
Here are some of the highlights of the weekend games of the 2025 SEA Men’s V.League.
Alas Pilipinas Hard Time Against Cambodia
After their straight-set loss against eventual champions Thailand, Alas Pilipinas had a hard-fought match against Cambodia, even though they won the match, 21-25, 27-25, 30-32, 25-23, 8-15 on July 12.
Jade Disquido led Alas Pilipinas with 24 points in 21 attacks, two blocks, and an ace, while Leo Ordiales added 22 points in 20 attacks, a block, and an ace. Buds Buddin had 19 points, while Lloyd Josafat and Peng Taguibolos combined for 22 points.
For Cambodia, Veasna Voeurn scored a team-high 21 points. Sokchea Ron had 17 points in 16 attacks and a block, while Heng Soeurn contributed 15 points in 11 attacks, three blocks, and an ace.
Alas Pilipinas’ Loss Against Indonesia
After their gruelling game against Cambodia, Alas Pilipinas suffered a straight-set defeat against Indonesia, 25-19, 25-17, 25-17 on July 13.
Leo Ordiales was the long bright spot for Alas Pilipinas with 12 points, while Buds Buddin and Jade Disquitado were limited to just six points apiece.
For Indonesia, Boy Arnez Arabi erupted for 21 points in 15 attacks, four aces, and two blocks, while Rama Fazza Fauzan contributed 11 points in 10 attacks and a block.
If Alas Pilipinas won this match, they would have gotten the silver medal in the tournament.
Vietnam Shocks Thailand
Thailand suffered a rare defeat at the hands of Vietnam, 29-31, 25-22, 25-18, 25-20, on July 11. Thailand went undefeated in both legs of the 2024 edition; their last defeat was against Indonesia in the second leg of the 2023 edition.
Ngoc Thuan Nguyen led Vietnam with 23 points in 22 attacks and one ace, while Quoc Du Pham added 13 points in 12 attacks and a block. Trong Nghia Quan and The Khai Truong combined for 23 points in 16 attacks, five blocks, and two aces.
For Thailand, eventual MVP Anurak Phanram scored a team-high 16 points in 14 attacks and two blocks, while Chaiwat Thungkham contributed 13 points. Amornthep Khonhan and Kissada Nilsawai scored 11 points apiece.
What’s Next For Alas Pilipinas?
Alas Pilipinas will have a three-day break before flying to Jakarta, Indonesia for the second leg of the 2025 SEA Men’s V.League, which will happen from July 16 to 20.
After that, Alas Pilipinas will shift its focus to the 2025 FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship, which the Philippines will host from September 12 to 28. Alas Pilipinas are grouped with Iran, Egypt, and Tunisia in the preliminary round.
