The Philippine Women’s National Volleyball Team was able to snag a set but ran out of gas against Thailand, 18-25, 25-23, 20-25, 25-9, to drop to the 2022 PNVF AVC Cup for Women classification round on Saturday at PhilSports Arena.
“Masaya kami kahit natalo kasi nakakuha kami ng isang set, nag-enjoy kami. Malaking experience para sa team natin itong mga games na ito,” said head coach Sherwin Meneses.
Ahead 18-16 in the first frame, the Thais went on a blistering 7-2 closing run for the early upper hand, 25-18.
Then the Philippines roared back in the second set.
Already at set point, 24-22, Ced Domingo committed a service error but Jema Galanza smashed an off-the-block kit in the ensuing play for the equalizer, 25-23.
Five straight points by Thailand finished the third period, capped by Hattaya Bamrungsuk’s ace, 25-20.
And the Thais ran away in the fourth with a 12-4 start, eventually taking a 25-9 win.
Chatchu-on Moksri led Thailand with 21 points, while Pimpichaya Kokram had 14 to her name.
But it was off the bench Thanacha Sooksod who put the Thais’ confidence back up with 12 points, six apiece in the third and fourth frames.
“‘Yung Thailand isa lang naman sistema nila, kahit sinong ipasok mo diyan talagang magko-contribute,” said the Philippines’ bench tactician.
Michele Gumabao paced the Nationals with 13 points on 11 attacks and two service aces, while Tots Carlos got 12, three in each set.
Thailand will battle defending champion China in the semifinals.
Meanwhile, the Creamline-bannered Nationals will face winless Australia tomorrow at 1 pm.
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