Facing the region’s most prominent volleyball nation, the Philippine Men’s Volleyball Team were shown the door out of the 2015 SEA Games tournament; falling to Thailand in a quick three sets, 25-21, 25-16, 25-13 at the OCBC Arena in Singapore.
After a close first set, the Nationals ran out of steam and fell quickly to the blistering pace set by the Thais. Thailand outclassed the Philippines in every statiscal category especially offensively. The Nationals scored 31 times off 69 attempts and recorded a measly 18.84% spiking efficiency which was a result of their 22 errors. The Thais went for a staggering 49% attacking clip on 41 for 69 attempts. They were also stingy in giving away free points, limiting themselves to 14 errors.
Two-time UAAP MVP, Marck Espejo was the only National to hit double digits, scoring a game-high 17 points but was greatly limited in the latter portion of the match as the Thai defense adjusted and took care of his hits better. Peter Torres and John Vic De Guzman provided the best support they could but only managed six points apiece against the more athletic Thai side.
Thailand on the other hand had a more balanced scoring sheet, having three players in double digits. Raksakaew Jirayu had 13 markers while Nilasawai Kissada and Sritutthawong contributed 11 points apiece.
The Pinoys end their SEA Games campaign with a 1-2 record. They won their opening match against Malaysia but lost the following day to Myanmar.
The Scores:
THA (3) – Raksakaew 13, Nilasawai 11, Sritutthawong 11, Somkane 7, Namkhunthod 4, Charoensuk 4, Silapasorn 2, Wattana 1, Phuanglib (L)
PHI (0) – Espejo 17, De Guzman 6, Torres 6, Pareja 4, Intal 2, Polvorosza 1, Camposano 0, Franco 0, Sto. Tomas 0, Montero (L)
