Alas Pilipinas in action during the AVC Men’s Champions League against Osaka Blueton. –AVC PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines—Cignal-Alas Pilipinas failed to kickstart its campaign in the 2025 AVC Men’s Champions League on a high note.
The men’s national team succumbed to the Osaka Blueton via sweep, 25-11, 25-21, 25-21, on Sunday at Panasonic Arena in Hirakata, Japan.
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After a lopsided loss in the first set, Cignal-Alas struggled to find its footing and never recovered in its debut at the continental meet.
On top of a sluggish start, the Filipinos were plagued by costly errors, committing 23 as Osaka pounced with 41 successful attacks.
Alas Pilipinas’ Marck Espejo in action during the AVC Men’s Champions League against Osaka Blueton. –AVC PHOTO
Nobody on the Philippines’ side, coached by Angiolini Frigioni, was able to crack double-digits in scoring, with Marck Espejo leading the way with nine points.
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Louie Ramirez tallied eight to his name while Steven Rotter scored seven in a losing effort.
Yuji Nishida paced Osaka to the victory with 13 points alongside Shoma Tomita, who finished with 12 points for the win.
The loss places Alas Pilipinas in a must-win situation when it faces Shanghai Bright on Tuesday to keep its Champions League hopes alive.