Philippine men’s volleyball team’s Jau Umandal. –CAMBODIA 2023
MANILA, Philippines—Despite a valiant third set effort, the Philippines’ men’s national volleyball team succumbed to a sweeping loss against defending Southeast Asian Games gold medalist Indonesia, 18-25, 18-25, 23-25, at Cambodia on Wednesday.
Indonesia defeated the Philippines easily in the first two sets, but it was in the third set when coach Sergio Veloso and the Filipinos upped their sense of urgency.
The defending champions opened the frame with a 6-2 blitz before the Philippines went on a 7-3 tirade to tie the game at 9-all.
Indonesia, however, gained the upper hand, 22-18, before Jayvee Sumagaysay’s kill sparked a 5-2 run for the Filipinos to trail only by one, 24-23.
With a chance to force an extender, however, Fahri Septian Putrama uncorked a quick attack to bury the Philippines, 25-23.
“Normally, it’s the first match but it’s very good with the way we started the third set as the guys continued to show that they can play our system,” Veloso said. “I can see on our service in the first and second sets that it worked well.”
Filipino-American Steve Rotter and Joshua Umandal had eight points each for the men’s team as no Filipino player was able to score in double digits.
“We (hope to) make much better in our service to make a little damage in the attack system of the opponent as well,” also said Veloso.
The Philippines is now 0-1 in Group A and a victory will keep its podium hopes alive. It faces host Cambodia, which won a historic bronze medal in Vietnam last year, next on Thursday.
“Sometimes, we win and sometimes we just learn the hard way,” Veloso said. “We will be better tomorrow. Today’s match is finished and tomorrow is going to be an important match.”