The Philippine Women’s National Volleyball Team scored its breakthrough win in the 2022 PNVF AVC Cup for Women at the expense of Iran, 25-19, 25-22, 20-25, 25-14, Wednesday evening at the PhilSports Arena.
After a downer third set, the Creamline-represented Nationals roared back with a 14-7 start in the fourth, ultimately closing the match, 25-14.
The Philippines improved to 1-2, tying the Iranians for third spot.
“‘Yung game ngayon siguro nag continue lang ‘yung improvement every game kasi nung first [two games] maganda naman ‘yung nilaro ng team kahit hindi nakuha ‘yung wins especially kahapon,” said head coach Sherwin Meneses.
Knotted at 15 in the first frame, the Philippines went on a 7-4 finishing blast, capped by Michele Gumabao’s down-the-line hammer to win the country’s first set in the tournament, 25-19.
The Nationals came back from a 15-18 deficit in the second set, using a 10-4 spurt to move on the verge of a sweep, 25-22.
But the Iranian squad started out the third on a 13-6 blitz en route to a 25-20 tally to extend the match.
Jema Galanza exploded for a tournament-high 21 points, including eight in the fourth set romp.
Tots Carlos got 14 points of her own on 12 attacks and two block kills, while Gumabao tallied 13 points.
The Nationals bounced back after their blockless outing against China yesterday, this time delivering 11 blocks.
Middle blockers Jeanette Panaga and Ced Domingo also showed out after a combined three-point performance yesterday, registering nine points apiece in the win.
Elahe Shahdehsari was the only Iranian in double digits with 13 points, while captain Mahsa Kadkhoda had nine.
Up next for the Philippines will be young South Korea tomorrow at 7 pm. A win will clinch a quarterfinals spot for the host.
“Malaking epekto ito (bukas) kasi syempre galing ka sa panalo. Sana lang ma-maintain o madagdagan namin ‘yung improvement namin kada game kasi napakaimportante na mag-improve every game saka ‘yung mindset nila nakakapag-adjust na sa international,” added Meneses.
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