Philippines falls to Vietnam to close winless SEA VLeague run

The Philippine national men’s volleyball team ended its 2023 Southeast Asia VLeague second leg run with a winless slate as it fell to Vietnam, 25-22, 18-25, 20-25, 26-24, 8-15, on Sunday at the Santa Rosa Multi-Purpose Complex in Laguna.

The duo of veteran spikers Marck Espejo and Bryan Bagunas once again led the charge for the Filipinos, but their production was not enough as the nationals ended with a 0-3 card in Leg 2.

In Leg 1 hosted by Indonesia, the Philippines had a similar 0-3 record as the hosts took the title.

Espejo had an all-around outing as the former Ateneo star unleashed 21 points built on 16 attacks, three blocks, and two aces while the returning Bagunas provided the lift with 20 markers.

Steven Rotter, who was named the Best Opposite Hitter for both legs, chipped in 19 points seasoned middle blocker Kim Malabunga had seven in the loss.

It was the second five-set loss for the Filipinos after absorbing a 24-26, 27-25, 25-21, 23-25, 15-17 defeat at the hands of Thailand last Friday before a sweep loss to powerhouse Indonesia on Saturday.

The Indonesians also emerged as the champions in second leg as the reigning three-time SEA Games gold medalists swept the tournament.

—Bea Micaller/JMB, GMA Integrated News