History was made.
The Philippines made history on Tuesday night after pulling off its first-ever win in the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship, defeating Egypt in four sets, 29-27, 23-25, 25-21, 25-21, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Alas Pilipinas took the opening set after surviving four set points, before Bryan Bagunas, Kim Malabunga, and Leo Ordiales strung together crucial points to close it out at 29-27.
Egypt managed to equalize by taking the second set, but the Nationals held their ground and went on to claim the third and fourth frames to seal the historic win before an electric Filipino crowd.
Backed by a roaring home crowd, Alas Pilipinas rebounded from its opening loss to Tunisia to even its record at 1-1 in Pool A—tying Egypt, Iran, and Tunisia with identical slates.
Team captain Bagunas led the way with 25 points built on 23 kills and two blocks. Rising star Ordiales followed with 21 points, while Marck Espejo finished with 13, sealing the win with a block.
Though the Philippines gave up 33 errors, they still edged Egypt in the stats: 58-52 in attacks, 11-8 in blocks, and 4-1 in aces. Egypt was led by Seif Abed’s 15 points and Mohamed Osman Elhaddad Hamada’s 14.
All four Pool A teams now stand at 1-1, with the Philippines set to battle Iran and Egypt facing Tunisia on Thursday to determine who moves on to the round of 16.
