Alas Pilipinas falls short against China in AVC Challenge Cup campaign opener

Alas Pilipinas fell short against China, 25-19, 25-22, 25-22, in its opening game in the 2024 AVC Challenge Cup for Men on early Monday (Philippine time) in Bahrain.

Both teams were tied with four points each early in the third set before China led 17-14 after a service error from Joshua Retamar. China had its own service error, then Jau Umandal pushed the nationals to 16-17 before a crucial net touch called on Alas Pilipinas gave its opponent an 18-16 lead.

The Philippines went as close to 21-23 before China reached match point, but Jade Disquitado salvaged one and gave the nationals a slight chance of hope before China sealed the victory.

Alas Pilipinas will return to action on Tuesday midnight to play Bahrain.

Only the top two teams from each group of three will advance to the quarterfinals of the tournament.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News