Struggling to limit their errors and get past their foes’ defense, the Philippine Men’s Volleyball Team suffered a straight-set loss to Vietnam, 19-25, 21-25, 20-25 in their first outing in the 2017 Southeast Asian Games in Malaysia.
The Philippines managed promising starts to each set, keeping it close with Vietnam. The Vietnamese, however, continually adjusted their floor and net defense to stifle the Philippines’ combination-heavy attack. In trying to find a way around Vietnam’s defense, the Philippines, instead, gave up attack errors due to their aggression.
The Nationals’ struggle was most apparent in the third set. After plodding their way into an 8-10 hole, the Philippines found life in open hitter Ranran Abdilla’s serving. Abdilla brought the Philippines to their biggest lead of the game, 15-10, before Vietnam responded. Establishing their blockade, the Vietnamese sprouted a game-breaking run and buried their foes in an insurmountable 23-19 pile.
