Philippine spikers sweep Afghanistan for first win in Asian Games

The Philippine men's volleyball team bounced back right away as it made quick work of Afghanistan, 25-23, 25-16, 25-12, to punch its breakthrough win in the 19th Asian Games on Wednesday in Hangzhou, China. 

The Filipinos improved to 1-1 to recover from an opening day loss to Indonesia on Tuesday while Afghanistan fell to a 0-2 hole in Pool F.

Bryan Bagunas picked up from where he left off, tallying 18 points built on 16 attacks, one block, and one ace while Steven Rotter chipped in 13 markers. Jau Umandal chimed in with seven points laced with 12 excellent receptions.

Bagunas' consistent showing allowed the Philippines to recover from a straight sets loss to Indonesia on Tuesday.

Gulam Haidari starred for Afghanistan with eight points while Mohammad Wardak and Sayed Yousufi each finished with five markers. 

The Philippine bets will return to action on Thursday against powerhouse Japan, which finished fifth overall in the 2018 edition in Indonesia. 

—Bea Micaller/JMB, GMA Integrated News