The Philippines suffered a five-set loss, 17-25, 23-25, 25-23, 25-22, 15-12, at the hands of a vengeful Mongolian squad on Friday, July 14, in the 2023 AVC Challenge Cup for Men in Taiwan.

Steven Rotter registered 24 markers and Marck Espejo finished with 21 points for the Philippines that dropped to a 3-2 win-loss record in the volleyball tournament.

In an earlier match-up, the Filipino managed to beat Mongolia, 2-25, 25-21, 26-24, 23-25, 15-12.

The Filipinos, while no longer in contention for a title, will seek to wrap up the tournament with a victory when they face Chinese Taipei on Saturday, July 15.