Alas Pilipinas falls to South Korea in Asian Games opener

MANILA, Philippines — Errors proved costly for Alas Pilipinas as the men’s volleyball team pushed South Korea to the limit late in the match before succumbing in straight sets, 25-16, 27-25, 25-23, to open its 2026 Asian Games campaign on Sunday afternoon at the Park Arena Komaki in Aichi Prefecture, Japan. Following a slow start in the opening frame, the 115th-ranked Nationals found their rhythm and nearly stole the second set against World No. 25 South Korea. Offensives led by Bryan Bagunas helped the Philippines secure set point twice at 25-24, but back-to-back attack errors handed the Koreans a 27-25 set victory and a 2-0 match lead. The Philippines remained competitive in the third set, trailing by just one point at 21-20. However, an attack error from Buds Buddin alongside a Sanghyeon Lee service ace gave South Korea a late 23-20 advantage. Alas mounted a late rally when Joshua Magalaman blocked Shin Hojin’s match-point attempt, followed by a service ace from Leo Ordiales to bring the Philippines within one at 23-22. The momentum quickly swung back to South Korea after a service error by Ordiales and a match-ending block on Marck Espejo’s back-row attack by Junhyeok Choi. While Alas dominated the net with a...