Alas Pilipinas’ Ken Batas during a game against Jakarta Bhayangkara Presisi in the three-day Invitationals.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — Ken Batas quickly showed what he learned from just a short period of training with Alas Pilipinas when his number got called.

When Buds Buddin suffered from cramps with a 17-16 lead in the fourth set, Batas scored right away to keep the gap against Jakarta Bhayangkara Presisi and nailed two more clutch hits to seal their 25-23, 27-29, 25-21, 25-22 win over the Indonesian club in the Alas Pilipinas Invitationals opener on Tuesday night at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

READ: Alas Pilipinas off to winning start in Invitationals

FINAL: Alas Pilipinas beats Jakarta Bhayangkara Presisi, 25-23, 27-29, 25-21, 25-22

Thanks to the clutch points from Ken Batas! pic.twitter.com/8Qfwu8Dsoi

— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) June 10, 2025

“I just applied everything I’ve learned from the coaches these past few weeks. I’m super excited because it’s my first time—and of course, the queen is always ready!” said Batas in Filipino shortly after his Alas moment.

The UAAP MVP from Ateneo drilled an off-the-block attack and clutch block to reach match point, 24-20, before a service error from Jakarta sealed their first win in the three-day pocket tournament in preparation for the country’s historic hosting and participation in the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship in September.

“I’m just really happy because representing the country is such a privilege, it’s not something that just anyone gets to do,” he said.

READ: Fresh faces to make Alas Pilipinas debut in 3-day Invitational

Batas relished the opportunity to join the two-time UAAP MVP from UST, Josh Ybañez, and Marck Espejo, the last MVP from Ateneo before the young wing spiker won in Season 87.

“It’s exciting to have this kind of support. I know that they have the experience and can guide me as a first-timer here,” said Batas. 

“I just needed to play my game. And I showed my swag,” he added with laughter.

Alas Pilinas eyes its second win against South Korea’s Hyundai Capital Skywalkers on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m.