SEA V-League: Thais outlast Filipino spikers in 5-set thriller

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippines’ quest for its first win in the SEA V-League continues as Thailand upset the home team in five sets, 26-24, 25-27, 21-25, 25-23 and 17-15, at the City of Santa Rosa Multi-Purpose Complex in Santa Rosa, Laguna on Friday.

With the game tied 15-all in the final set, Thailand scored two straight points, punctuated by a block on Bryan Bagunas to take the win away from the Filipinos.

The Nationals held a three-point lead in the final set, 11-8, following a service error by Thungkham Chaiwat.

Thailand then equalized following a hit by Jakkert and back-to-back errors by the Philippines.

The Thais took a one-point lead, 13-12, after a service ace by Jenthaisong Supakorn.

The two teams traded points, with Bagunas tying the game for the final time with a drop ball.

The 21-year-old Supakorn led the way for Thailand with 28 points.

The Philippines’ Marck Espejo, who scored 24 points, exited the game late in the fourth set due to cramps but returned in the fifth.

Bagunas led the way for the Filipinos with 25 points. 

With the home team trailing by one in the fourth set, 24-23, Supakorn’s attack sailed out.

However, upon review, the point was given to the Thais after the officials ruled the point as a block touch, giving the crucial fourth set to Thailand and tying the game at two sets apiece.

Unforced errors proved to be deadly for the Philippines as they gave away 29 points compared to 26 for Thailand.