Philippines yields to Thailand in thriller to kick off SEA VLeague Laguna leg

The Philippine men's volleyball team blew a two-set lead to succumb to Thailand, 24-26, 27-25, 25-21, 23-25, 15-17, to kick off its campaign in the second leg of 2023 Men's SEA VLeague in Sta. Rosa, Laguna on Friday night.

After a tight first set loss, the Filipinos buckled down to business against the Thais with the duo Bryan Bagunas and Marck Espejo leading the way as they took the second and third sets and moved on cusp of the victory.

But Thailand, who once fell to the Philippines in the semifinals of the 2019 SEA Games, regained its rhythm as Thungkham Chaiwat and Thanonmoi Jakkrit powered their offense in the fourth.

The Philippines had some early momentum going in the fifth with opposite hitter Steven Rotter fueling a 4-2 opening run before the Thais caught up and tied the game at 11-apiece following back-to-back attack errors from Jau Umandal and Rotter.

Thailand then got the first match point, 14-13, but Bagunas saved one to tie things up anew. Thailand then unleashed a running attack before Chaiwat rejected Bagunas on the opposite side to seal the deal, 17-15.

Jakkrit finished with 22 points while Jenthaisong Supakorn starred with 28 points.

The loss spoiled huge performances from Bagunas and Espejo, who poured in 25 and 24 points respectively. Rotter chipped in 17 markers in the five-set defeat.

The Philippines will hope to bounce back on Saturday against Indonesia while Thailand takes on Vietnam on the same day.

—Bea Micaller/JMB, GMA Integrated News