Indonesians tower over locals in boys volleyball

MARIKINA CITY, Philippines – This is one match that looked more like a pickup game between men and boys.

Indonesia banked on its height advantage, superb net defense, and steady attacking game in scoring a 3-0 demolition of the Philippine men’s volleyball team at the Marikina Sports Center Tuesday, December 2.

The taller Indonesians led by 6’3” Hadi, 6’2” Doni, Dio and 6’0” Ringgo and Bambang practically made mincemeat of the smaller Filipinos porous defense, raining spectacular smashes and capitalizing on the hosts unforced errors to register the 25-18, 25-14, 25-19 win that improved their record to 2-0.

The towering Indo frontline of Hadi, Doni and Dio also made the hosts pay, blocking shots, and altering many others as the undersized Filipinos groped for form to counter their opponents’ size advantage.

Edward Camposano led the Filipinos with his all-around game, challenging the Indonesian defense time and again but the lack of consistent scoring support and defense in the face of the visitors’ focused game was too much to overcome.

Unfortunately for Coach Ruel Pascual’s squad, attacker Ron Adrian Medalla accidentally rolled his ankle after an outstanding block of Bambang’s spike. 

Medalla had to be carried off the court in the third set.

Medalla’s injury somehow energized the locals, who went on a spirited 5-0 run to close the gap at 22-18 to the crowd’s delight.

But the Indonesians countered the Philippines’ last minute rally and claimed the match as Camposano was whistled for a service violation. – Rappler.com