The Philippines bounced back after two straight defeats to open the 2022 PNVF AVC Cup for Women, finally entering the win column after beating Iran, 25-19, 25-22, 20-25, 25-14, on Wednesday.
And so did middle blockers Jeanette Panaga and Ced Domingo.
The two were there against China, but their productions were missing.
Panaga was held scoreless against the tall Chinese squad, while Domingo only got three points.
The Philippines was also blanked in the blocking department while China tallied six points.
But those were not the case against Iran.
“Sabi nga ni coach sa amin every game is important kaya kailangan bumawi,” shared Panaga after the match at PhilSports Arena.
“Siyempre kailangan din mag-step up kung ano yung pagkukulang kahapon, bumawi ngayon.”
The Creamline-led Nationals roared in the blocking category this time with 11 with the middle blockers leading the way with five.
The duo took turns as Panaga had six of her nine points in the first two sets, while Domingo made six of her nine in the last two frames.
Panaga said this victory was a result of the challenge and learnings they got against the top two teams in Pool A in China and Vietnam.
“Against Vietnam and China sobrang laki ng experience namin, dami naming natutunan na lessons kaya yung mga nakuha namin doon, nadala namin dito kaya nanalo kami,” continued the Saint Benilde product.
And with the winless South Korea, which is represented by high schoolers, its remaining game in the preliminaries tomorrow at 7 pm, the Philippines will not rest on its laurels.
After all, a win will secure the country a spot in the quarterfinals.
“Mindset tomorrow is good vibes lang, happy lang. Ilalabas lang namin ‘yung laro namin and yung bitbit namin yung pride dito,” said Panaga.
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