Coach Sergio Veloso finds consolation in PH men’s volleyball loss to Indonesia
Philippine men’s volleyball coach Sergio Veloso during the country’s first game in the 32nd SEA Games. –CAMBODIA 2023
PHNOM PENH—Coach Sergio Veloso dismissed the agonizing defeat of the Philippine men’s national volleyball team on Wednesday at the 32nd Southeast Asian Games as a simple case of first-game jitters.
“It’s the first match and the guys were anxious,’’ said Veloso after the men’s squad suffered an 18-25, 18-25, 23-25 setback at the hands of defending champion Indonesia held at the Indoor Main Hall of the Olympic Complex here.
Indonesia trampled on the Philippines in the first two sets, before the Filipinos displayed the grit necessary to avert a quick ending.
The 2021 SEA Games gold medalist seemed headed for another trouble-free set only to witness the Philippines rally from four points down and equalize the count at 9-all.
“I think it was very good because in the third set, the guys continued to play and they showed they can play under a good system like how we practiced in Japan,’’ said the Brazilian mentor.
Trailing again by four near the closing stretch, Jayvee Sumagaysay’s ruthless crosscourt strike triggered another run for the Filipino to stitch the gap with 24-23.
The euphoria was short-lived, however, after Fahri Septian Putrama drove in the killer hit that snuffed the life out of the Philippines.
“We’ll, it’s good because I saw that our service in the first and second set didn’t work well. In the third set, our service became much better to create damage in the attack system of the opponent,’’ said Veloso.
The Philippines absorbed its first defeat in Group A and will be in a must-win situation against host Cambodia on Thursday night to avert an early exit before wrapping the group stages against Singapore on Saturday.
“It’s Cambodia. There will be more fans to support them, but it’s a good fight. Our target is the semifinals and tomorrow is a good opportunity,’’ said Veloso.
“If we win the last match (against Singapore), it will decide if we go to the semifinals. We have to play our best and not worry about the other team,’’ added Veloso.
