Marck Espejo, Alas Men dominate reigning Korean V. League champs
The Philippines subdued another Asian powerhouse, pulling off a 25-22, 22-25, 25-21, 25-20 win against reigning Korean V. League champion Hyundai Capital Skywalkers in the Alas Pilipinas Invitationals on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Team captain Marck Espejo, who played sparingly in their Tuesday clash against Jakarta Bhayangkara Presisi, took the lead this time around after churning out 20 points on 17 attacks, two aces, and one block.
The win sent the Philippines to a spotless 2-0 card in the three-day tournament aimed to serve as the country's test event for the hosting of the FIVB Men's World Championship in September.
Espejo got huge help from the young ones in the crucial fourth set with Ken Batas and Leo Ordiales leading a 9-4 rampage that gave Alas a 14-9 cushion. But the Skywalkers, who have just dethroned the Incheon Korean Air Jumbos in the Korean V. League, retaliated with a 5-1 run of their own to slice the gap to one.
Batace then answered with two pivotal points, including a strong service ace, before middle blocker Peng Taguibolos poured back-to-back quick attacks that allowed the hosts to secure a 23-19 lead.
Espejo soared from the back row, sending a bullet to zone one to hand the Philippines the match point at 24-19 while a service error from the Koreans sealed the win altogether.
Alas will close out the invitationals on Thursday where it will lock horns with powerhouse Thailand national team.
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
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