Bryan Bagunas lit the sparklers early. Then everyone on Alas Pilipinas started to get in on the explosive display.
Two hours and 12 minutes later, the Philippines ended its run of futility in the Southeast Asian V.League with a 25-21, 25-22, 18-25, 25-23 victory over Vietnam at Ninoy Aquino Stadium inside the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Manila on Friday .
For the sizeable crowd that celebrated every point and danced lustily when Bagunas sealed the victory with a thunderous strike, the win was a vengeance of sorts for the heartbreaking straight-sets loss by Alas women to the Vietnamese in the Challenger Cup in May.
It was also a huge statement win for Alas Pilipinas and an auspicious start under Italian coach Angiolino Frigoni.
Bagunas helped put Alas Pilipinas in control with his crisp serves and even more explosive attacks.
Then Frigoni let the young ones shine.
Michaelo Buddin and Louie Ramirez did not disappoint.
Bagunas finished with a match-leading 19 points on 15 attacks, two blocks and two aces as the Philippines notched its first victory in the young league after getting blanked in two legs last year.
“Everybody has to be ready. We play with the players, not with the name on the shirt,” Frigoni said about the player rotations. “The players have to play. It doesn’t matter if it’s their first time on the national team. For me it doesn’t matter.”
In other matches, Thailand kicked off its campaign with a 25-21, 25-23, 25-20 victory over two-time champion Indonesia.
Thungkham Chaiwat scored 13 points on nine attacks, three blocks and a service ace for the Thais, who settled for silver and a bronze in two legs last year.
Thailand had 14 blocks, including four from 6-foot-8 middle blocker Nilsawai Kissada who finished with 11 points, the same output of Bhinijdee Napadet.
Opposite hitter Anggara Agil Angga led the Indonesians with 18 points on 15 attacks, two aces and a block.
Kurniawan Hendra contributed seven points while Putrama Fahri Septian had six.
The Philippines battles Indonesia and Thailand will face Vietnam on Saturday in the event organized by the Philippine National Volleyball Federation. (PNA)
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