Despite the loss, the Gray Wolves showcased resilience, improving offensively as the match progressed. Lourdes hit a match-best .333 in the fourth set, narrowly missing the opportunity to force a decisive fifth set. Overall, Lourdes tallied 49 kills with a .202 hitting percentage while holding the Royals to a .217 clip.

Jaber Badarne spearheaded the Lourdes attack with a dominant performance, registering a career-high 24 kills while hitting .364 for the match. He also contributed seven digs, rounding out a stellar all-around effort. Vinicius Lopez added 13 kills, a team-high 10 digs, and two assists to notch a double-double.

Setter Joey Bianco dished out 38 assists while also adding a service ace. Ben Palma contributed four kills and two blocks, while Mitch Hoffman led the Gray Wolves at the net with two blocks of his own.

Defensively, Lourdes matched the Royals with 40 digs apiece. Daniel Nascimento chipped in eight digs, supporting the back-row efforts alongside Lopez and Badarne.

Hope International capitalized on its strong service game, tallying eight aces to Lourdes' one, and controlled the net with an 8-4 edge in blocks.

After a challenging start to the match, the Gray Wolves found their rhythm in the third set, hitting .156 to claim their lone set victory. The momentum carried into the fourth frame, where Lourdes held a late lead but was unable to close out the set as the Royals rallied for a narrow 26-24 victory to seal the match.