Starring players from reigning UAAP men’s champion National University, the Philippines unseated Thailand with a 27-25, 25-21, 22-25, 25-20 victory to capture the 19th ASEAN University Games men’s volleyball gold medal Friday in Naypyitaw, Myanmar.
The Filipinos were very determined to become the best in the biennial competition for the region’s student-athletes.
Francis Saura’s quick hit gave the Philippines the upperhand in the extended first frame before Bryan Bagunas took over in the second set.
Putting up a tough defense against the hard-spiking Bagunas, the Thais were able to snatch the third set before the Filipinos regrouped in the fourth behind Bagunas’ solid attacking, Saura’s net defense and libero Ricky Marcos’ floor defense.
An outside spike by Thailand served as the championship point for the Philippines, which finished its stint with a perfect 4-0 record.
The Filipinos surpassed their bronze medal finish in the 2016 edition in Singapore.