TEAM PHILIPPINES—composed of the Ateneo Blue Eagles— lost to Indonesia in four sets, 20-25, 26-24, 25-27, 24-26, on Friday, July 15, 2016 at the National University of Singapore Multipurpose Hall 5 in Singapore.
The Philippines controlled their own fate heading into their affair with Indonesia, as what the team needed to earn the gold medal game was to defeat their opponents. Both teams were tied at 2 wins and 1 loss. On the other hand, Thailand was sitting comfortably atop the standings, awaiting their opponent in this crucial head-to-head match-up. The Philippines, coming off two straight victories, looked poised to set themselves up for a rematch with the leaders after an inspiring win yesterday against Singapore.
Unfortunately for the Philippines, they were not able to win a nail-biter, as they lost to Indonesia in heartbreaking fashion.
Both teams went back-and-forth throughout the contest, as indicated by the scores. All sets, aside from the first, went past the usual point threshold, as advantage would rock between both the Philippines and Indonesia. Each team would not let the other get ahead, as the sides were always within striking distance of one another.
After the end of the previous game, coach Oliver Almadro stressed the importance of having a strong start in order to set the tone for the rest of the game. The message failed to register for the Philippines, as they were down for most of the first set against Indonesia. Although they were able to grab the lead at some junctures, they lost the set in what would be the largest margin in any final set score in the coming sets.
The second set was a different story, as the Philippines rebounded in a big way. Led by Rex Intal and Marck Espejo, they looked like a completely different side from that which they showed in the first. Rex Intal’s patented running spikes, as well as Marck Espejo’s all-around contributions helped push the set towards the Philippines’ direction, as they tied the match at one-apiece.
Controversy marked the end of third set, as a late call was shown to Marck Espejo and the Philippines. When Indonesia had a 26-25 advantage, the reigning UAAP MVP seemed to extend the game further, as he rose up and smashed the ball into an empty space on the opposition’s half. As the team and crowd celebrated, the referee pointed Indonesia’s direction, saying that the Blue Eagle touched the net as he went down.
This turned out to be a crucial point in the match, as momentum was with Indonesia the rest of the way. Their lead in the fourth was as high as 6 points, as they never looked back after they were given the third set. Although the Philippines made a furious rally to end the game, Indonesia stayed cool and ended the game and advanced to the championship game after they denied a usually-lethal Espejo smash.
The team currently holds a 2-2 recording heading in the 18th ASEAN University Games Men’s Volleyball tournament, while the opponent stands at 3-1.
Team Philippines will face Singapore on Saturday, July 16, 2016 at 10am at the National University of Singapore Multipurpose Hall 5 in Singapore.
