MANILA – The Philippine men’s volleyball team walloped Cambodia in straight sets, 29-27, 25-17, 25-17, at the start of the 30th Southeast Asian Games men’s volleyball at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.
Marck Espejo and Bryan Bagunas were at the forefront of offense on Monday night while setter Joshua Retamar was also impressive as the national squad clinched its first victory in Pool B.
Espejo tallied 21 points off 16 attacks, four aces and a block to go with eight excellent receptions and three digs. Bagunas added 14 points.
The 19-year-old Retamar did not show any signs of a SEA Games rookie. He finished with 15 excellent sets to go along with 11 points, including six of the team’s 17 kill blocks.
“For me po, ginawa ko lang po ‘yun part ko, ‘yung tinuro po sa akin ni coach, lalo na po sa blockings,” said Retamar, who plays for the National University Bulldogs in the UAAP.
Voeum Veasna finished with 16 points while My Raksmey and Pin Sarun had nine points each for Cambodia.
The Philippine men’s volleyball team will go back to volleyball court tonight. It tangles with 2017 SEA Games bronze medalist Vietnam./PN
