BRYAN Bagunas lit the sparklers early. Then everyone on Alas Pilipinas started to get in on the explosive display.
Two hours and 12 minutes later, the Philippines ended its run of futility in the Southeast Asian V-League with a 25-21, 25-22, 18-25, 25-23 victory over Vietnam on Friday.
For the sizeable crowd at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium that celebrated every point and danced lustily when Bagunas sealed the victory with a thunderous strike, the victory was a vengeance of sorts for the heartbreaking straight-sets loss by Alas Women to the Vietnamese in the Challenger Cup in May.
It was also a huge statement win for Alas Pilipinas and an auspicious start under Italian coach Angiolino Frigoni.
Bagunas helped put Alas Pilipinas in control with his crisp serves and even more explosive attacks, then Frigoni let the young ones shine.
Michaelo Buddin and Louie Ramirez did not disappoint.
Bagunas finished with a match-leading 19 points on 15 attacks, two blocks and two aces as the Philippines notched its first-ever victory in the young league after getting blanked in two legs last year.
“Everybody has to be ready, we play with the players, not with the name on the shirt,” Frigoni said about the player rotations.
“The players have to play, it doesn’t matter if it’s their first time on the national team, for me it doesn’t matter.”
Buddin had 14 points on nine attacks, three blocks and two aces, while Ramirez wound up with 11 points, all on attacks.
Pham Van Hiep and Duong Van Tien scored 15 apiece for Vietnam, while Nguyen Ngoc Thuan had 14 points.
The Philippines takes on Indonesia, while Vietnam battles Thailand on Saturday.
