Philippine men's volleyball team falls to Thailand, bows out of contention in SEA Games

The Philippine national men's volleyball team failed in its bid to secure a podium finish after falling to powerhouse Thailand in straight sets, 25-20, 29-27 25-22, on Monday in the 31st SEA Games in Hanoi, Vietnam.

The loss put the Filipinos at the bottom of Group B with a 0-2 win-loss card. Only the top two teams from the two groups will advance to the semifinal stage.

After losing in the opening set, the Dante Alinsunurin-mentored team tried to pump life back to their game as they tied the game at 26-all. However, a series of errors from their side proved costly as the Thais took a commanding 2-0 set lead.

A block from team captain John Vic De Guzman and a service ace from Marck Espejo tied the game at 22 in the third set but an error from the line from Espejo gave another point to the Thais.

An open hit and an error from the side of the Philippines then sealed the deal for Thailand.

The Philippines previously lost to Cambodia, 21-25, 26-24, 28-30, 27-29, to move on the brink of elimination.

The Pinoy spikers copped the historic silver medal in the 2019 edition after booting out, surprisingly, Thailand in their semifinal clash.

—JMB, GMA News