(UPDATED) The Philippine men's volleyball team opened their campaign in the 32nd Southeast Asian Games on a losing note, bowing to defending champions Indonesia on Wednesday at the Olympic Stadium Main Hall.

Indonesia fended off the Filipinos' last-ditch rally in the third set to claim a 25-18, 25-18, 25-23 triumph.

Brazilian tactician Sergio Veloso had a hard time figuring out Indonesia’s offensive game, although his squad fought valiantly in the third set by taking a piece of the lead, 11-10, but couldn’t sustain the drive.

“Normally, it’s the first match but it’s very good with the way we started the third set as the guys continued to show that they can play our system,” Veloso told reporters after the game. “I can see on our service in the first and second sets that it worked well.”

No player reached double-digits for the Philippines, with Filipino-American recruit Steve Rotter and Joshua Umandal accounting for eight points each.

“We (hope to) make much better in our service to make a little damage in the attack system of the opponent as well,” said Veloso, adding they would move on from this game and try to beat host Cambodia on Thursday at 8:30 p.m.

“Sometimes, we win and sometimes we just learn the hard way,” Veloso added. “We will be better tomorrow. Today’s match is finished and tomorrow is going to be an important match.”

The game with Cambodia will determine the fate of team Philippines, as a win will keep them in the hunt for a podium finish.

For more stories on the 32nd Southeast Asian Games, click here.