PH dominates Macau in AVC Challenge Cup classifications

Philippine men’s volleyball team in the AVC Challenge Cup. –AVC

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine men’s volleyball team asserted its mastery of Macau, 25-15, 25-16, 25-17, to advance to the next phase of the classification round of the Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Challenge Cup for Men on Thursday at University of Taipei Hall 2.

Coming off a 20-25, 17-25, 23-25 loss to Bahrain in their Final 12 match, the Filipino Spikers vented their ire on Macau with Steve Rotter leading the way as coach Sergio Veloso had the luxury of fielding his bench players.

Macau came close in the second set when it tied the match at 9-all but the nationals were quick to get their act together as they drew contributions from Noel Kampton and Chu Njigha.

Marck Espejo only played sparingly but Rex Intal and Ryan Ka also stepped up for the team to bounce back from their first loss and repeat their first win over Macau, 25-21, 25-15, 25-14.

The Filipino Spikers will face Mongolia on Friday with the winner advancing to the battle for fifth.

The Philippines seeks to also assert its mastery of Mongolia, which they beat 22-25, 25-21, 26-24, 23-25, 15-12 to complete a Pool D sweep behind Espejo’s 36-point explosion last Monday.