The Philippine men’s volleyball team escaped Malaysia, 25-19, 20-25, 25-21, 24-26, 17-15, to claim its first win in the men’s indoor volleyball at the 32nd Southeast Asian Games on Sunday, May 7, at Indoor Olympic Stadium Phnom Penh in Cambodia.

The Filipinos showed endgame poise and held on to the win against the Malaysians in their first classification round match.

After being kept winless in the pool play in three straight outings, the Philippines finally made a breakthrough in their campaign in the biennial meet.

Tied at 24-all in the fourth set, the nationals couldn’t hold off the Malaysians who hammered down back-to-back hits to force the winner-take-all fifth set.

Jade Disquiotado gave the Philippines a much-needed lift in the final set after dropping six points in the decider alone.

The 2019 silver medalist Philippines will face Singapore in a rematch for the battle for fifth on Monday, May 7, at the same venue.