SEA Games: Semis-bound PH men’s volleyball drops 1st match

MANILA, Philippines–The Philippine men’s volleyball team failed to sweep Pool B, losing to Indonesia, 25-23, 32-30, 25-20, in its final preliminary match in the 30th Southeast Asian Games Friday at Philsports Arena in Pasig City.

The Philippines managed to stay in step with the 2017 silver medalists, thanks to excellent receptions and a bunch of highlight plays, to help them lead 16-11 in the third set.

However, on-point attacks from scoring ace Rivan Nurmulki and Doni Haryono, who registered 19 and 18 points, respectively, snuffed the life out of the Filipinos.

“Our execution was bad earlier. We lacked but we’ll know needs to be done if in case we’ll face them again,” Philippines’ head coach Dante Alinsunurin said in Filipino.

Indonesia’s air tight defense was also evident throughout as the Filipinos had a hard time making their hits go past the mighty Indonesian wall.

Former NU standout Bryan Bagunas lead the scoring for the Philippines with 24 points, all from attacks, while Marck Espejo tallied 17 points and 10 excellent receptions.

Despite dropping its first game, the Philippines still goes to the semifinals and will face perennial champions Thailand on Sunday.