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SEA Games: PH off to bright start after sweeping Cambodia in men’s volleyball

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ABS-CBN News

MANILA, Philippines—The Philippines men&#x27;s national volleyball team rode the momentum of a tight win in the first set to claim a 29-27, 25-17, 25-17 triumph over Cambodia in their first game in the 30th Southeast Asian Games at PhilSports Arena in Pasig on Monday.Former five-time UAAP Most Valuable Player Marck Espejo had 21 points on 16 kills and 4 aces, while Bryan Bagunas put up 14 points including 4 kill blocks, to spearhead the national team&#x27;s attack.It was the two-way brilliance of setter Joshua Retamar, however, that stole the show for the Philippines. The National University standout had 15 excellent sets and 11 points — including a team-high 6 blocks — to help the Philippines&#x27; cause.They had to survive a slow start and an extended first set, with Retamar coming through with a pair of clutch plays including the kill block that sealed the win for the Filipinos.It turned out to be a preview of the second set, which saw the home crowd tally 8 blocks. That set the tone for the rest of the match as the Filipinos seized control.The Philippines joined Indonesia at the top of Group B, after the latter took a 25-20, 25-22, 25-21 win over Vietnam.In Group A, Thailand bucked a one-set deficit to seize a 25-27, 25-13, 25-16, 25-18 win over Singapore.Vouem Veasna led Cambodia with 16 points, but no other player reached double-digits for their side. For more sports coverage, visit the <a href="http://sports.abs-cbn.com">ABS-CBN Sports website</a>.

The Philippines rode the momentum of a tight win in the first set to claim a 29-27, 25-17, 25-17 win over Cambodia Monday in their first game in the SEA Games.

The Philippines rode the momentum of a tight win in the first set to claim a 29-27, 25-17, 25-17 win over Cambodia Monday in their first game in the SEA Games.