Alas Pilipinas fell short against South Korean club Powerful Daegu in five sets, 26-24, 23-25, 23-25, 25-16, 8-15, in the Serve-Spike Unite exhibition game on Friday.
The Filipinas, who were coming off a historic bronze finish in the AVC Challenge Cup, started slowly in the decider and were overwhelmed by the red-hot Koreans, who led by as many as seven points, 14-7.
Alas Pilipinas managed to save a point after a service error from Daegu, but it was not enough as the latter went for the game-clinching blow in the showpiece, which celebrates the two countries’ diplomatic relations.
The Philippines actually started the game strong but almost squandered a 23-21 advantage in the opener after the Koreans went on a three-point run, with two points coming from the service line, to take the lead and reach set point.
A net violation by Daegu then pushed the first frame to a deuce before Angel Canino and Faith Nisperos scored off a cross-court hit and a pipe attack, respectively, to give the Philippines a 1-0 advantage.
Alas Pilipinas, however, failed to replicate their first-set performance as the Koreans overcame a 21-22 disadvantage in the second set with a 4-1 finishing kick to tie the game.
The Philippines trailed for the entirety of the third set before making a late attempt to steal the game. However, their efforts were in vain, giving Daegu a 2-1 set lead. Daegu then sent the game to a fifth set following a strong performance in the fourth.
Choco Mucho star Sisi Rondina was not fielded in the exhibition match.
