The Philippines again failed to capitalize on another lead, sustaining a gut-wrenching five-set loss to Iran and bowing out of Group C in the 6th AVC Women’s Seniors Championship, 29-27, 16-25, 25-17, 12-25, 15-13 in Thailand.
The Nationals gained a 2-1 edge thanks to a gutsy late run in the first set anchored on Cha Cruz-Behag and Alyssa Valdez’s late conversions, and a dominant third set performance. The Iranians, however, pounced on a dazed Philippines in the fourth set to extend the match to a decider.
Valdez and Cruz-Behag kept the Pinays in contention in a tight fifth set. Tied at 13, Iran’s Maedeh Borhani closed the match with back-to-back hits, sending her squad to the next round.
The four-time PVL Most Valuable Player Alyssa Valdez finished with 24 points on 22-for-69 attacking. Cignal HD’s Mylene Paat added 10 markers off the bench.
The Philippines fell to an 0-2 record and officially out of contention for the next phase. The loss also relagates the country to the newly-formed Challenge Cup. The National play their last match of the group stage tomorrow against Kazahkstan.
Mahsa Kadkhoda tallied a game-high 30 points to lead four Iranians in double-digits while Borhani added 18 points.
The Scores
Philippines (2) – Valdez 24, Paat 10, Maraño 8, Cruz 6, Reyes 4, Pontillas 3, Morado 2, Nabor 1, Sato 1, Soltones 1, Galanza 0, Lazaro (L), Gohing (L)
Iran (3) – Kadkhoda 30, Borhani 18, Chamlanian 12, Saberi 10, Baghepor 6, Safari 5, Ashofish 3, Dargazani 2, Kiani (L)
