The Philippines dropped another tough battle, succumbing to five-time AVC champion China, 16-25, 22-25, 20-25, but continued to awe the fans with its fighting spirit.
Playing against China, one of the best squads in the world, in the 2022 PNVF AVC Cup for Women, the Creamline-repped national team had its moments.
And with a great fight the Nationals performed, one of the team’s main scorers in Tots Carlos said it was a “milestone”.
“This is a really big team and playing well against them I think it’s a big milestone for the team,” said Carlos after the match.
Even though it was a straight sets affair, no one can deny that the effort shown by the Cool Smashers was commendable.
Despite having an average age of 20, China still boasts a 184 centimeters height median, 14 more than the Philippines.
But the 5-foot-9 Carlos, 5-foot-7 Jema Galanza, and 5-foot-10 Michele Gumabao still provided the goods against the tall frontline of China.
“Actually, we’re really happy na naglaro kami nang maayos and you can really see na every time we dig the ball, we spike, we’re really happy. We’re smiling,” said the two-time MVP, who finished with a team-high 15 points.
Galanza and Gumabao also barged double digits with 11 points apiece, tallying two service aces each.
And with the Nationals play continuing to reach greater heights, Carlos has no hesitation that they can go toe-to-toe with Iran and South Korea to finish their Pool A schedule.
“In terms of our confidence, I think the team can really fight naman talaga,” she said.
“More on mantra ng team na good vibes ‘yun talaga. Sabi nga ni Ate MG kanina ‘yung pagiging family namin dito ‘yun yung makakadala sa amin dito because we support each other.”
The Philippines will have Iran on Wednesday, then South Korea on Thursday, both at 7 pm.
“We hope we’re making the Filipinos proud.”
—
Catch the best volleyball players in the continent on SMART GigaPlay. Download it here.
#AVConGigaplay
