The Philippine men’s volleyball team has made a historic win!
The Philippine men’s volleyball team continued to make history in the 2019 Southeast Asian Games with a massive five-set upset over four-time defending champion Thailand, 17-25, 25-20, 23-25, 27-25, 17-15, at the PhilSports Arena on Sunday, December 8.
Photos by Michael Gatpandan/Rappler
With the huge win, the Filipinos advanced to their first SEA Games gold medal match in 42 years at the expense of the 39th-ranked team in the world.
Bryan Bagunas delivered the final blow, willing his team to match point off a crucial block, 16-15, before sealing it with a kill in the grueling semifinal showdown.
Photos by Michael Gatpandan/Rappler
After giving up a quick 17-25 1st set to the Thais, the Philippines rebounded in a big way, taking Set 2, 25-20, after consecutive Kim Malabunga hits to cap the frame.
Rex Intal came alive in the 3rd set as the Philippines traded blows with the Thais.
Photos by Michael Gatpandan/Rappler
Marck Espejo then scored consecutive points to tie it up 23-all before 6-foot-8 Thai-Malian behemoth Kissada Nilsawai closed out the set on an Espejo block, 25-23.
The Filipino spikers fought hard as proven by back-to-back points from Espejo and Malabunga, 21-22.
Photos by Michael Gatpandan/Rappler
And just when it looked like that the Thais had their number on both ends, the Nationals rallied to steal the extended set, 27-25, and force a deciding 5th frame.
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This article first appeared on Rappler. Written by JR Isaga.
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