PH men's volleyball team downs Malaysia in classification match, moves on to battle for 5th

The Philippine men's volleyball team made quick work of Malaysia, 25-12, 25-13, 25-12, in their classification match in the 31st Southeast Asian Games on Thursday in Hanoi, Vietnam.

The Filipinos stepped on the gas pedal early, leading the Malaysians 19-9 behind their dominant showing from both ends with Marck Espejo leading most of the way. Skipper John Vic De Guzman then went for an attack on the opposite side for the set point before another hammer from him sealed it, 25-12.

Rex Intal's service ace gave the Philippines the first match point, 24-11, before youngster Jao Umandal went for a backrow attack to finish off the business for the Filipinos.

The nationals will next battle Myanmar in the battle for fifth while Malaysia will wrap up its campaign at seventh place. The Philippines previously lost to Thailand and Cambodia to formally bow out of contention for a podium finish.

—JMB, GMA News