Pinoy spikers bow out of Asian Games contention after loss to Japan

The Philippine men's volleyball team bid its playoffs chances goodbye after falling prey to Japan in straight sets, 19-25, 14-25, 23-25, in the final day of the preliminary round of the 19th Asian Games on Thursday in Hangzhou, China.

The Filipinos wrapped up Pool F with a 1-2 card while Japan topped the group with an immaculate 3-0 card to advance to the next round alongside Indonesia (2-1).

Opposite hitter Steven Rotter carried the load for the Philippines, unleashing 13 points built on 12 attacks and one block while Bryan Bagunas also played a bign role with a double-double outing of 10 markers and 20 excellent receptions.

Another veteran, Marck Espejo, made his presence felt on both ends as he churned out eight points and nine receptions.

But their production was not enough as the Japanese side, composed of their Team B players, made easy work of the Filipinos.

Akito Yamazaki put together 11 points and 14 excellent receptions while Masahiro Yanagida, the former team captain of the main Japanese national club, chipped in nine markers.

Japan will next face Kazakhstan in the Round of 12 while the Philippines will still play in the classification phase.

—Bea Micaller/JMB, GMA Integrated News