SEA Games Volleyball Men’s Team Philippines Loses to Cambodia

The Philippines’ attempt to repeat the podium in the men’s volleyball division of the Southeast Asian Games was hit hard. After a shock four-set loss to Cambodia on Saturday, 14 May. Bryan Bagunas’ outstanding performance proved not enough. When the Philippines fell prey to Cambodia, 21-25, 26-24, 28-30, 27-29, in their opening SEA Games at the Dai Yen Arena in Quang Ninh, Vietnam. The Philippines swept Cambodia at the 2019 SEA Games on its way to silver. But the Cambodian team, led by Voeurn Veasna, showed a calm final game this time. When they prevented the Philippines from forcing the deciding set. The Philippines led 26-25 in the fourth set only to make a serve error. And miscommunication on the offensive also paved the way for Cambodia to seize the upper hand.

Marck Espejo’s strike closed the set at 27-27, but the Cambodian scored back-to-back points from a block and strike to close it. The Philippines dropped to third place in Group B of three teams and must beat Thailand on Monday to stay competitive. Only the top two groups will advance to the semifinals. Back in the 2019 edition of the tournament, the Philippines beat Cambodia in straight sets, 29-27, 25-17, and 25-17. But this time, Cambodia changed its program. Despite winning the second set, the Filipino was hit hard after Marck Espejo landed at the feet of a Cambodian. Although the former Tokyo FC player was able to bounce back late in the third set, he was never the same. Bryan Bagunas and Jau Umandal led the fight for the Philippines in tight third and fourth sets. Unfortunately, a crucial mistake by the Philippines led to losses.

Match Schedule and System

The SEA Games 2021 women’s indoor volleyball competition will be participated by five countries, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Malaysia. The five countries also competed in the preliminary round, the two teams at the top of the standings will compete in the final round of the 2022 SEA Games women’s volleyball. While the third and fourth places will also compete for the bronze medal.

The following is the updated schedule for the SEA Games 2022 Men’s and Women’s Volleyball

Saturday, May 14, 2022

11.00 WIB – Philippines vs Cambodia (Men/B)
14.00 WIB – Thailand vs Philippines (Women)
17.00 WIB – Vietnam vs Malaysia (Men/A)

Sunday, May 15, 2022

11.00 WIB – Indonesia vs Malaysia (Women)
14.00 WIB – Myanmar vs Malaysia (Men/A)
17.00 WIB – Indonesia vs Vietnam (Men/A)

Monday, May 16, 2022

11.00 WIB – Thailand vs Indonesia (Women)
14.00 WIB – Thailand vs Philippines (Men/B)
17.00 WIB – Vietnam vs Malaysia (Women)

Tuesday, May 17, 2022

11.00 WIB – Philippines vs Indonesia (Women)
14.00 WIB – Malaysia vs Indonesia (Men/A)
17.00 WIB – Vietnam vs Malaysia (Women)

Wednesday, May 18, 2022

11.00 WIB – Cambodia vs Thailand (Men/B)
14.00 WIB – Malaysia vs Thailand (Women)
17.00 WIB – Vietnam vs Myanmar (Men/A)

Thursday, May 19, 2022

14.00 WIB – Rank 4 in Group A vs Rank 3 in Group B (Male – placement 7)
17.00 WIB – Philippines vs Vietnam (Women)

Friday, May 20, 2022

11.00 WIB – Rank 3 in Group A vs Winner Placement 7 (Men, placement 5-6)
14.00 WIB – Rank 1 in Group A vs Rank 2 in Group B (Men, semifinals)
17.00 WIB – Rank 1 in Group B vs Rank 2 in Group A (Men, semifinals)

Saturday, May 21, 2022

14.00 WIB – Semifinal Losing Team 1 vs Semifinal Losing Team 2 (Men, bronze)
17.00 WIB – Rank 3 vs Rank 4 (Women, bronze)

Sunday, May 22, 2022

14.00 WIB – Winner Semifinal 1 vs Winner Semifinal 2 (Men, final)
17.00 WIB – Rank 1 vs Rank 2 (Women, final).

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