Jay Rack dela Noche and Alexander Iraya advanced to the quarterfinals of the 4th Asian U21 Championships, Wednesday morning.
The Philippine Boys’ National Beach Volleyball Team shocked no. 2 seed Australia-1’s Connor O’neill and Ruben Gale in comeback fashion, 15-21, 21-14, 15-10, in Nakhon Pathom, Thailand.
The Philippines had just a three-point buffer against Australia in the deciding set. With that, the duo uncorked three straight points capped by a knuckle shot from dela Noche to reach match point, 14-8.
The Australians then got two points back, before Iraya finished the match with a placement shot to clinch a quarterfinals ticket.
“Nagpapasalamat kami kay God na binigyan niya kami ng opportunity makapasok sa next round. Gagalingan pa po namin!” said dela Noche after the match.
Tied at 14 in the second frame, the UST duo utilized a 7-0 finishing kick, capped by Iraya’s block on O’neill, to force a decider.
Equal production was the name of the game for the Philippines. Both of them produced 15 points apiece, with Iraya getting five blocks.
Gale paced Australia with 20 markers, including seven service aces in the first period. O’neill had 10 points.
There will be a draw to determine which top team in the pool stages will the Nationals play in the quarterfinals later at 3 pm or 5 pm. Iran-1, Thailand-1, 2, and 3 are the pool leaders.
