MANILA – Osaka Bluteon displayed its awesome form to beat the Alas Pilipinas men, 25-17, 25-10, 25-21, in the Alas Pilipinas Invitationals at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City on Sunday.
The 24-year-old Yuji Nishida delivered 12 points on seven attacks, four aces and a block as the Japan V.League club swept their two exhibition matches.
On Saturday, the 6-foot-2 opposite spiker made 15 points in Japan's 29-27, 25-23, 25-12, 12-25 win.
The friendlies helped the Alas Pilipinas see what areas have to be improved.
“The speed in blocking, quickness in other areas. These are just a few of the things we need to focus on. Individually and as a team, we have to improve in preparation for the world championships,” skipper Kim Malabunga said.
The invitationals are part of the events for the one-year countdown to the FIVB Volleyball World Men’s Championship the country will host from Sept. 12 to 28, 2025.
“It’s a very good experience. It was very very difficult but for us, it was a very good experience,” Alas Pilipinas coach Angiolino Frigoni said.
Aside from the locals, Cuban Miguel Angel Lopez Castro performed well for the six-time Japan league champion Osaka Bluteon.
Meanwhile, the Saga Hisamitsu Springs dominated the Alas Pilipinas women.
Opposite hitter Mika Yoshitake had 16 points, while Ayane Kitamado and Sae Nakajima scored nine points in their 25-14, 25-21, 25-19 victory on Sunday.
The Japanese spikers also triumphed last Saturday, 25-19, 25-16, 25-16, with Miyu Nakagawa and Megumi Fukazawa scoring 15 and 14 points, respectively.
Despite the two setbacks, Alas Pilipinas women team captain Dawn Macandili-Catindig said the matches were part of the preparations for future competitions.
“It’s important that we do well ahead of other events, as we also look forward to the SEA Games,” Catindig said.
Alas Pilipinas Women coach Jorge Souza de Brito was satisfied with the performance of the team.
“It’s good for us,” said de Brito, who led the Alas Pilipinas women to a bronze medal finish at the Southeast Asian V.League last month.
“We need to give exposure to all of them … we need more matches at this level. We need international-level play since we’re the national team,” he added. (PNA)
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