To put it bluntly, Alas Pilipinas Women had no answers against defending champion and world powerhouse Thailand on Thursday night.
Middle blocker Maddie Madayag said the Thais — as expected — came in ready and unleashed an attacking spree that left the Filipina spikers reeling on defense, struggling to contain the onslaught throughout the match.
“Honestly, Thailand was really ready for us. And ‘yun lang ‘yung masasabi ko, I don’t think we were able to give an answer to their attacks,” said Madayag after their 11-25, 17-25, 16-25 loss to the reigning champs at the Indoor Stadium Huamark.
Alas Pilipinas still managed to adjust after a lopsided first set and kept the game close early in the next two frames. However, the Choco Mucho middle blocker said it was a case of too little, too late.
Thailand’s experience and firepower, plus the support of the home crowd, proved overwhelming.
The 27-year-old PVL Best Middle Blocker, who shared duties at the net with Dell Palomata and Amie Provido, admitted she didn’t play her best and could have done more to help the team stay competitive.
“Ngayon, binigyan kami ng pagkakataon, I think medyo late na kami nakabawi, late na kami lumaban sa kanila,” said Madayag, who finished with only one point.
“I don’t think I played that well today. Pero ayun na nga, we can bounce back tomorrow so just manage what we can.”
Madayag stressed that while the team must put the loss behind them, it is crucial to take the lessons learned as they head into their do-or-die clash against Singapore.
Despite the tough opener, the former Ateneo star expressed confidence that the team can bounce back, citing their maturity and experience.
“I think just take what we can in today’s game and forget lahat ng mga errors and everything. I’m sure we can bounce back. Mature naman ‘yung team to not overthink about that stuff,” Madayag said.
“Tomorrow, may laban kami against Singapore and we’re hoping na mas better ‘yung magiging performance namin and hindi naman kami nag-lo-lose ng hope. Gusto lang talaga namin mas maganda ‘yung performance namin.”
A victory over Singapore in Pool A action tomorrow at 6:30 PM would send Alas Pilipinas to the semifinals.
“I just wish na mas magiging maganda, and I hope na magiging maganda. For sure pagtatrabahuhan and pagmi-meetingan namin ‘yung game today para mas maganda ‘yung magiging laban namin tomorrow.”
