Alas Pilipinas Men opened their Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games campaign with a straight-set loss to South Korea, but captain Bryan Bagunas believes the Filipinos know exactly what needs to improve.
The Philippines fell to the Koreans, 25-16, 27-25, 25-22, Sunday at Park Arena Komaki after struggling to close out crucial stretches in all three sets.
For Bagunas, the biggest issue was clear: too many errors at the wrong moments.
“Medyo madami kaming errors talaga, kailangan namin manage errors namin,” said Bagunas.
The Philippines repeatedly stayed within striking distance but struggled to finish sets, allowing South Korea to pull away when the pressure increased.
“Nandun na e. Siguro iyung finishing lang e, dun kami nagkakamali kapag patapos na iyung set. Need namin i-manage iyung errors,” he added.
Bagunas also pointed to the team’s limited preparation time with newly arrived setter Joshua Retamar, who had only trained with the squad for two days before the match.
“Siguro isa iyung serving namin, two days pa lang kami nag-training with Owa [Retamar].” he said.
Despite the setback, Bagunas emphasized that the Asian Games remains an important opportunity, particularly for the younger players hoping to build their careers and eventually earn opportunities overseas.
“Sabi namin itong Asian Games malaking tulong para sa amin lalo na para sa mga bata, exposure na rin nila. Kung makakapaglaro overseas as import, makikita sila dito,” Bagunas explained.
Bagunas urged his teammates to stay motivated and continue fighting through the campaign.
“Laban lang natin ito and sana in the future mas okay ang suporta na dadating sa amin. Tuloy-tuloy lang,” he said.
The captain also made sure to recognize the Filipino supporters who traveled to Japan for the Asian Games.
“Talagang nagpapasalamat talaga kami sa lahat ng fans na pumunta pa dito sa Japan para suportahan kami. Talagang hindi napi-feel iyung walang suporta from the fans. Nandiyan kayo, manalo o matalo,” Bagunas said.
With the opening loss behind them, Alas Men now turn their attention to correcting the errors that cost them crucial points against South Korea as they continue their Asian Games campaign. (Jesus Nathaniel Valdez)
