Team Philippines did not get the opening victory it wanted against Indonesia after dropping an 18-25, 18-25, 23-25 setback to the defending champions on Wednesday in the 32nd Southeast Asian Games men’s volleyball event held at the Olympic Stadium Main Hall.
Brazilian tactician Sergio Veloso had a hard time figuring out Indonesia’s offensive game, although his men’s squad fought valiantly in the third set by taking the lead, 11-10, for the fourth time but couldn’t sustain the drive.
“Normally, it’s the first match but it’s very good the way we started the third set, as the guys continued to show that they can play our system,” Veloso told reporters after the game. “I can see in our service in the first and second sets that it worked well.”
Based on the team’s statistics, no Filipino player was able to reach double figures in scoring, as newly-recruited Filipino-American Steve Rotter and Joshua Umandal were only good for eight points each.
“We hope to make much better in our service to make a little damage in the attack system of the opponent as well,” said Veloso, adding they would move on from this game and try to beat host Cambodia on Thursday at 8:30 p.m.
“Sometimes we win, and sometimes we just learn the hard way,” Veloso added. “We will be better tomorrow. Today’s match is finished and tomorrow is going to be an important match.”
The game with Cambodia will determine the fate of Team Philippines, supported by the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) headed by President Rep. Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino and the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) led by Chairman Richard “Dickie” Bachmann.
A victory will keep the Philippine men’s team’s chances of making it to the podium.
