Ouch! It’s net touch

Crucial call triggers Alas fall

MANILA, Philippines —  For a fleeting moment, the Filipinos erupted in triumphant joy, then plunged into depths of agony.

Alas Pilipinas came agonizingly close to a stunning upset, but a heartbreaking net touch by middle blocker Kim Malabunga got in the way, ending the nail-biter in crushing defeat for the plucky home team.

The silver lining: the Nationals’ fighting spirit shone, their determination inspired and the team’s effort earned much respect.

Bryan Bagunas and his teammates put up a proud spirited performance, dragging world No. 15 Iran to a five-setter and just falling short, 21-25, 25-21, 17-25, 25-23, 22-20, in a heartbreaker of an end to their campaign in the FIVB Men’s World Championship at the MOA Arena in Pasay last night.

They earned five match points and appeared to have gotten the clincher on a block that sent the Nationals and the home crowd to a frenzied celebration.

But the Iranian coach called for a challenge, with the successful result triggering a quick shift in fortunes.

A net touch by Malabunga – as seen by everybody in the review – in that critical moment in the fifth and final set denied Alas Pilipinas what could have been another historic moment.

Instead, it turned into a come-from-behind triumph for the unflappable Iran side to snatch the second and last spot in Pool A to the Round of 16.

It was a heartbreaking ending for the host nation after coming close to claiming the biggest moment for Philippine volleyball when Malabunga blocked Ali Haghparast’s spike attempt that would have given Alas the match at 20-18.

It triggered pandemonium that saw the whole squad and throngs of flag-waving fans, including Philippine Sports Commission chair Patrick Gregorio and volleyball chief Tats Suzara, into wild celebration.

It turned into tears moments later after Iran challenged successfully and then took four of the next five points to steal the win.

And the dream is over for the Filipinos.

But there was nothing to be ashamed of for Alas as it came into the Worlds as a massive underdog and came out of it as the biggest revelation of the tournament after getting that one improbable win over fancied Egypt Tuesday.

The Nationals were relatively unknown a week ago but ended up as heroes.

“We have a future,” said an emotional Bagunas, the skipper and heart and soul of Alas.

“This is the start of the beginning of men’s volleyball’s rise in the Philippines,” he added.

And it should.

“Thank you to all the Filipinos for the support, I hope you continue to support men’s volleyball,” he said.