The Philippines pulled off a gallant stand but ultimately absorbed a 26-28, 21-25, 21-25 defeat against Chinese Taipei for a sixth-place finish in the 2022 PNVF AVC Cup for Women, Monday afternoon at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.
This finish bettered the previous performance of the Nationals in 2018. There, they finished ninth.
Middle blocker Celine Domingo fuelled the charge for the Philippines with 12 points on 11 attacks and one block. Meanwhile, fellow center attacker Jeanette Panaga chipped in eight markers on four spikes, three blocks, and one service ace.
Down three set points at 21-24, the Nationals made a run to extend the opening set after several deuces. Chinese Taipei eventually found an opportunity in transition to finish the frame and take the 1-0 lead.
It was another tussle in the second set, but the Philippines could not take the lead over. With its offense clicking, Chinese Taipei went into the third for a fifth-place finish, with its captain Chang Li-Wen taking charge.
After trailing at the start of the third, Chinese Taipei took advantage of the Philippines’ errant passing to snag the lead at 16-13. The red shirts, though, tried to mount a comeback, but the visitors turned to their captain for the finish.
Captain and opposite hitter Chang Li-Wen took charge of the visitors with 18 points on 14 attacks, three blocks, and one service ace. On the other hand, Chen Tzu-Ya was there to stop every Filipino run and ended with 11 spike points.
Philippine captain and setter Jia De Guzman shared that the team felt grateful for the opportunity to play for the country.
“Yung mga wins and losses na nakuha namin in this AVC Cup is super priceless talaga. Sobrang makatutulong sa ‘min whether in PVL or kung mabigyan kami uli ng chance internationally, ite-take lang namin,” the six-time PVL Best Setter said.
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