The Philippine boys’ national beach volleyball squad exited the 3rd Asian U-19 Championships, Monday morning.
The tandem of Jay Rack Dela Noche and Alexander Iraya yielded to Iran-2’s Amir Reza Zamani and Armin Kami, 12-21, 16-21, in Nakhon Pathom, Thailand.
The defeat puts the Philippines at the bottom of Group A at 0-2. Meanwhile, Iran clinched a quarterfinals spot at 1-1.
“Babawi po kami soon at gagalingan pa po namin. Gagawin po namin lahat ng makakaya namin soon (sa U-21),” said Dela Noche.
The Iranians took turns in dropping haymakers. Zamani ended with 20 points, while Kami tallied 14 markers.
The Filipino duo got the first point of the match after an error by their opponents. It was all Iran after that, though. They went on a 12-3 blitz to put the first set beyond reach, 12-4.
Leading by just a point heading into the second frame’s technical timeout, Iran then put on another run to eliminate the Nationals, 21-16.
Iraya led the Philippines with 13 points. Dela Noche, who had 11 yesterday against top seed Thailand-1, was limited to four.
The 18-year-old Filipino standouts will next see action in the 4th Asian U-21 Beach Volleyball Championships on July 12 at the same venue.
