Determined Philippines falls short against Kazakhstan, finishes eighth

The Philippines shook off a dazed early effort but still came short of putting a positive end to their AVC Senior Women’s campaign, succumbing to Kazakhstan in a five sets, 20-25, 16-25, 25-21, 25-22, 15-3, at the Alonte Sports Arena

The hosts showed clear signs of wear and tear at the onset of the match. Kazakhstan took full advantage, building big leads in the first two sets. By the second frame, the Philippines had played different players in all positions as Kazakhstan surged to an insurmountable 19-10 lead.

With a brand new six on the floor, the Philippines finally picked up their play in the third set. Forcing a quicker pace, the Nationals grabbed an 18-14 advantage following back-to-back Kazakhstan errors. The visitors managed a last ditch run, forcing a 20-all tie. But substitute Kianna Dy brought the Philippines home, sparking a 3-0 to end the set which included the set-clinching ace.

Poor serve reception from the Philippines led to an early 8-2 lead for Kazakhstan. The visitors, however, took their turn and struggled to fend off the hosts. The Philippines blanketed the Kazakhs and forced a 10-all tie, setting up a prolonged trade down the stretch. The locals broke away thanks to clutch aces from Jaja Santiago and Kianna Dy, with Jovelyn Gonzaga using her signature drop shot to put the Philippines at set point, 24-22. An attack error pushed the Philippines to a fifth set.

All the Philippines’ momentum dissipated in the decider. Kazakhstan enforced their severe height advantage and took a decisive 10-1 lead. The Philippines managed just two more points for the rest of the match.

“Konsuelo na siguro for us na we were able to get them to five sets,” said Alyssa Valdez, who scored 11 points.

“Kazakhstan’s experience really showed in that fifth set. But we can’t dwell on the loss. It’s still a long journey for us with the SEA Games. So we just have to move forward,” she added.

Jaja Santiago towed the Philippines with 18 points, while opposite hitter Jovelyn Gonzaga added 10.

The Philippines finish the tournament in eighth place, an improvement from their 12th place result in 2015.

Opposite hitter Yekatrina Zhdanova led the seventh place Kazakhs with 24 markers, while open hitter Katerina Tatko added 15.

The Scores

Kazakhstan (3) – Zhdanova 24, Tatko 15, Beresneva 14, Bogdashika 14, Akilova 5, Safronova 3, Petrenko 2, Kenzhebayeva 1, Kempa (L)

Philippines (2) – Santiago 18, Valdez 11, Gonzaga 10, Molina 7, Fajardo 5, Pontillas 5, Dy 3, Maraño 2, Ortiz 2, Reyes 2, Casugod 0, Dimaculangan 0, Lazaro (L), Macandili (L)