Pinoy tossers eye dream finish

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine men’s volleyball team handily beat Vietnam last Wednesday, 25-20, 25-21, 25-12, and clinched a semifinal berth in the 30th Southeast Asian Games at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.

Bryan Bagunas and Marck Espejo combined for 35 points as the Filipinos crashed the semis for the first time since returning to volleyball action in the 2015 Games, in the process getting a chance to end a 28-year medal drought.

The win was the second straight for the Philippines, which climbed into a share of the Pool B lead with Indonesia, which also posted its second straight victory, a 25-20, 25-17, 35-33 win over Cambodia, and also clinched a semis slot.

The Filipinos, who outsmarted Cambodia, 29-27, 25-17, 25-17, last Monday, and the Indons clash on Friday, with the winner gaining the top spot in the group.

Myanmar, led by Aung Thu, who unloaded 25 points, scored a 26-24, 25-21, 25-18 victory over Singapore for its first win in Pool A.

Bagunas scored 22 points on 17 kills, three service aces and two blocks while Espejo had 13 points on top of 13 excellent receptions and seven digs as the Filipinos ended the medal hopes of reigning bronze medalist Vietnam, which absorbed its second straight loss.

Skipper Johnvic de Guzman, middle blockers Kim Malabunga and Francis Saura chipped in seven points each, while teen setter Joshua Retamar dished out 17 excellent sets on top of four markers.

“We’re elated because the Philippines finally advanced to the semis. The last time we won a medal was in 1991,” said national coach Dante Alinsunurin.

Rivan Nurmukli and Tamamilang Febriant had 22 and 12 points, respectively, as Indonesia showed the door to Cambodia, which was single-handedly carried by Kuon Mom, who had 21 points.