By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
Alas Pilipinas men’s national volleyball team offensive superstar Michaelo Buddin received the Best Outside Hitter individual award during the second leg of the Southeast Asia Volleyball League held in Yogyakarta, Indonesia.
After leading the PHL national volleyball squad to another bronze medal finish in the prestigious tournament, the product of the National University (NU) program earned the solo distinction and became the lone Filipino to win an award in Leg 2.
With the award, Buddin achieved back-to-back feats as the SEA V. League Best Outside Hitter after also clinching the trophy in the first leg of the tourney in Manila.
Buddin boosted his chances of bagging the award after leading Alas to a come-from-behind victory over Vietnam, 27-25, 14-25, 22-25, 25-21, 15-12, which steered the national team to another podium finish.
The high-flying mean machine saved his best for last, erupting for 24 points during the bronze medal match derived from 22 successful attacks.
Buddin earned his break at Alas after stepping in late due to the injury of Bryan Bagunas during the first leg at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
Without Bagunas, Buddin became the primary offensive option for Alas and he paid the trust of the team after leading them in scoring the whole Leg 2 campaign.
In the three-match outing, Buddin top-scored Alas as he averaged 13.7 points built from 12.7 successful attacks to go alongside 0.7 blocks per game.
Meanwhile, Kim Malabunga, failed to replicate being the Best Middle Blocker of the second leg after winning the solo distinction in Leg 1.
