Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 14) – The Philippine volleyball teams suffered shocking losses on the second day of the 31st Southeast Asian Games volleyball competition at the Quang Ninh Gymnasium.
The women’s team dropped their first game of the tournament at the hands of defending champion Thailand, 15-25, 13-25, 14-25.
The Filipina spikers were dominated from the get-go by the more experienced Thais, who took advantage of their size to unleash attacks from all spots.
The Jorge Edson-mentored Philippine women’s volleyball team have three days to regroup before going back to the court against Indonesia on May 17.
Meanwhile, the Philippine men’s volleyball team absorbed a shocking four-set loss against Cambodia, 21-25, 26-24, 28-30, 27-29.
The last two sets were a heartbreaker for the Filipinos as they succumbed to the well timed attacks of the Cambodians down the stretch, despite forcing extended set points in the exciting battle.
The Philippines now faces a must-win situation against 2019 bronze medalist Thailand to book a semis spot.
The upcoming match is a grudge battle for the two countries after the Filipinos defeated the Thais in five thrilling sets in the semifinals of the 2019 SEA Games.
The Dante Alinsunurin-coached Philippine men’s volleyball team bagged the silver medal three years ago, losing to Indonesia in the finals.
Cambodia, Thailand, and the Philippines are the only nations in Group B of the 31st SEA Games volleyball meet, where the top two squads will advance to the semifinals.
