PH’s Iron Wall dethrone Thai spikers, 3-2

Philippine Men’s volleyball squad upset world’s #39 Thailand, 17-25, 25-20, 23-25, 27-25, 17-
15, in their semi-finals game in the 2019 Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) held at
Philippine Sports Arena, Pasig City.
After four decades of hanging at the feet of the rankings, Philippine spikers made their way to
the top after struggling past against Thai spikers on their five set match in the semi-finals.
With blocks made of iron walls, the four horsemen of the court, Bryan Bagunas, Marck Espejo,
Kim Malabunga, Joshua Retamas and Ranran Abdilla led the team to oust Thailand on their 5 th
set match, 17-15.
“We were thankful to all everyone who supported our game, kay coach at sa mga staff namin, sa
Filipino crowd na simula 1st set hanggang sa matapos yung set hindi nagsawang mag-cheer para
samin, we are thankful,” Espejo said during an interview.
Powerful spikes and serves were poured out by Espejo on the opponent’s side of the net
combined with Malabunga’s excellent quick attack and floor defense made the PH team solid.
Losing two sets worth of game, this didn’t stop PH’s iron wall from defending and attacking the
enemy headed by the well-timed attacks of Malabunga and Bagunas. Then PH blockers gobbles
Thai spikers in the 4th set, 27-25.
“Talagang teamwork lang tapos yung commucation at trust niyo sa isa’t isa as teammates pero
communication talaga, mahalaga. Siguro yung naging way para mag-turn yung tables kasi solid
offense ng Thailand so, kame, kailangan solid pareho yung defense at offense,” Bagunas said
during an interview.
“Pero we still have to work on our defense para mas maging solid pa siya and communication,
kasi there were times that we experience miscues,” Bagunas added.
Guaranteed with a silver medal, the Philippine blockers promises to snatch its gold in the
championship match.