The Philippines’ Steve Rotter goes on the attack during a game against Vietnam in the Southeast Asia V-League in Jakarta, Indonesia. Photo from SEA V-League
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine men’s volleyball team came up empty-handed in the first leg of the Southeast Asia (SEA) V-League after blowing a two-set lead and falling to a resilient Vietnam, 25-22, 25-21, 18-25, 23-25, 10-15, on Sunday in Jakarta, Indonesia.
Steve Rotter’s 28-point explosion wasn’t enough as the Vietnamese, led by Pham Van Hiep, took the bronze medal in the inaugural tournament.
The Filipino Spikers were looking to close out the game after taking the first two sets behind the troika of Rotter, Jau Umandal, and Noel Kampton.
But Hiep had other plans in mind as he ignited Vietnam’s comeback to force a fifth frame, where they led as many as five, 11-6.
Umandal and Rotter tried to resuscitate the podium hopes of the Philippines but middle blocker Cu Van Hoang brought the Vietnamese at match point, 14-9, followed by their rotation error. Rotter’s final serve, however, was off the mark, capping the Philippines’ heartbreaking loss.
The Philippines finished winless in three games after getting swept in the first two matches by Thailand and Indonesia, who were fighting for gold as of posting time.
Umandal supported Rotter with 15 points, while Kampton chipped seven points all in the first two sets as Brazilian coach Sergio Veloso opted to bench him for the remainder of the match, pinning his hopes on Edward Camposano.
NCAA Best Setter Adrian Villados orchestrated the plays for the Philippines while Camposano and middle blockers Kim Malabunga and Lloyd Josafat had five markers each.
After getting dominated in the third set, the Nationals had the chance to steal the fourth frame, erasing a 16-21 deficit behind the crucial hits of Rotter to trim it within one, 22-23.
Hiep restored the order by supplying the Vietnamese’s final two points including a cross-court attack to force the decider.
Rotter, the Filipino-American recruit of the Philippine National Volleyball Federation, had a stellar showing in the competition, averaging 19.0 points in three games.
The Philippines will host the second leg of the regional tournament from July 28 to 30 in Sta. Rosa, Laguna.
Hiep powered Vietnam with 22 points. Duong Van Tien chipped in 13 markers, while Tu Thanh Thuan added 12 as they finished with a 1-2 record.