The young Filipina spikers finally got that elusive win in the 14th Asian Women’s U18 Volleyball Championship.
Behind the likes of Ana Hermosura and Kimberly Rubin, the Philippines swept Australia, taking a 25-20, 25-19, 31-29 victory in the 9th-11th classification phase of the tournament, Sunday at Nakhon Pathom Sports Centre Gymnasium in Nakhon Pathom, Thailand.
Hermosura got 10 points in the victory while Rubin added seven in the match that saw the Filipinas dig deep in the third set.
“Sa wakas nakaisa rin kami,” said assistant coach Roberto Calamba Jr. “Credit goes to the players na kahit na natalo kami in our group stage matches ay hindi sila pinanghinaan ng loob.”
The Philippines was scorching to start the third set and were on top, 16-11, but Australia made its last push to force several deadlocks with last at 29-all but a block by Rhose Almendralejo and an attack error by Aussies ended the game for the Pinays.
Almendralejo also chipped in seven markers apiece while Dona Mae De Leon contributed five markers for the Philippines.
Trailing 11-18 in the opening set, the Philippines went on a massive run behind Hermosura and Jothea Ramos for a 20-all count. Consecutive errors by Australia, back-to-back aces by Hermosura, and an attack by De Leon completed the first set hijack.
With the second set knotted at 19-all, the Philippines went on a finisher behind an attack by Rubin, back-to-back hits by De Leon, a service ace by Ramos, and a drop shot by Rubin for a 2-0 set lead.
“It is also timely that the team got its first win on Independence Day. These young girls hope that they made the country proud. We hope to end the tournament on Monday with another win,” added Calamba.
The Jerry Yee-coached squad will face India in the battle for ninth place on Monday.
