The Philippines may have dropped its AVC Cup for Women opener against Vietnam, but the Creamline-bannered team sure did gain some respect.
The women’s national squad bowed to the Vietnamese team in straight but hard-fought sets (19-25, 17-25, 29-31), Sunday at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
And the Cool Smashers had some flashes of brilliance in the match that lasted one hour and forty-one minutes.
They started the first two frames motivated, being the first to eight points and the technical timeout. Then in the third, the Philippines was there for every point but just ran out of gas.
All that with Creamline not even expecting to represent the country two weeks ago before all the drama between National University and the national team program unfolded.
“Talagang kahit kulang talaga, nandoon ‘yung laban,” said Jema Galanza after falling short against the Thi Thanh Thuy Tran-led Vietnam.
“Kinulang man pero ang dami naman natutunan talaga,” added the 5-foot-7 native of San Pedro, Laguna, who led the Philippines with 13 points on 11 attacks and two aces.
The Philippines was also without Creamline’s heart and soul Alyssa Valdez, who is out due to dengue; and middle blocker Risa Sato due to health reasons.
Also not in the venue against Vietnam but in the roster of the Philippines were Jia De Guzman and head coach Sherwin Meneses.
The defeat was tough but the Nationals left with heads up high after a great challenge against a full-force Vietnam squad.
“Same pa rin naman (‘yung mood) wala naman magbabago, walang mada=-down kasi alam naman namin ‘yung bawat isa,” said Galanza, the 2019 PVL Open Conference MVP.
“Saka kumbaga gamay namin ‘yung isa’t isa. Kaya magaan talaga din sa loob,” she shared about the bond of their team.
Up next for the Philippines will be a greater challenge on Tuesday, playing against defending champion China at 7:00 PM in the same arena.
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