Alas Pilipinas Men at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Thailand. POC Media
Alas Pilipinas Men fought valiantly but still fell to host Thailand, 20-25, 19-25, 21-25, in the semifinals of the men's indoor volleyball competition at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games on Thursday night.
Six years ago, the Philippines and Thailand battled for a spot in the gold medal match during the 2019 SEA Games in Manila, and it was the host nation that advanced to the final.
The Thais made sure to rewrite the script this time.
READ: SEAG: Semis-bound Alas Men wrap up group phase with loss to Indonesia
With this, the country's hopes for a golden finish is now over, but the podium remains achievable as the national team takes on Vietnam for the bronze medal.
Alas Men, paced by Leo Ordiales, could not topple down the giants that are the Thais, as the latter took control of the whole match.
READ: Alas Men sweep Myanmar, kick off SEAG campaign on triumphant note
In a last gasp scenario, Alas Men had short runs and closed within two, 23-21, after an Ordiales attack late in Set 3, but the other side found the attack and the kill block on the star opposite spiker to close out the match in straight sets.