Alas Pilipinas kicks off Invitationals with resounding 4-set victory over Jakarta Bhayangkara Presisi

Alas Pilipinas, the Philippine men’s national volleyball team, started their 2025 Alas Pilipinas Invitationals campaign on a high note, securing a hard-fought four-set win over two-time Indonesian Proliga champions Jakarta Bhayangkara Presisi. The host nation triumphed with scores of 25-23, 27-29, 25-21, 25-22, in a gripping encounter held at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Tuesday, June 10, 2025.

The match served as a crucial test event and preparation for Alas Pilipinas, who will be co-hosting the massive 2025 FIVB Men’s World Championship later this September. The victory provided a significant confidence boost, showcasing the team’s potential against a formidable regional opponent.

Leading the charge for Alas Pilipinas was two-time NCAA MVP Louie Ramirez, who delivered an exceptional performance with a game-high 25 points, fueled by 21 attacks, three blocks, and one ace. His offensive prowess and all-around game were instrumental in securing the win for the Filipinos.

The home team displayed resilience, especially after dropping a tightly contested second set that went into an extension. After taking the opener, Alas Pilipinas had a four-point lead in the second set but allowed Jakarta to force a deuce and eventually take the set. However, they quickly regrouped, showcasing their determination to bounce back in the succeeding frames.

JUST IN: The Philippine men’s national team opened their Alas Pilipinas Invitationals campaign with a four-set victory over Jakarta Bhayangkara Presisi: 25-23, 27-29, 25-21, 25-22. #AlasPilipinasInvitationals #AlasPilipinas #volleyball pic.twitter.com/mh2i72loos

— Volleytrails (@volleytrails) June 10, 2025

Steven Rotter provided crucial support to Ramirez, contributing 14 points, while Buds Buddin chipped in 11 markers and was also active on the defensive end with three blocks. Setter Owa Retamar also tallied 5 points, including three blocks, contributing to Alas Pilipinas’ impressive team total of 15 rejections.

The debut of newly-minted UAAP MVP Kennedy Batas also proved impactful. Subbed late in the fourth set, Batas made an immediate impression, scoring three quick points, including a crucial block that gave Alas Pilipinas match point. Jakarta’s Agil Angga Anggara, who led his team with 20 points, saved one match point, but a costly service error from Anggara sealed the victory for Alas Pilipinas. Arjuna Mahendra also contributed 15 points for Jakarta.

The three-day Alas Pilipinas Invitationals features four competitive teams, including South Korea’s Hyundai Capital Skywalkers and the Thailand men’s national team, providing Alas Pilipinas with valuable international exposure ahead of the World Championship. The tournament continues with Alas Pilipinas set to face Hyundai Capital Skywalkers on Wednesday, followed by a match against Thailand on Thursday.

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