The Philippine Women’s National Volleyball Team could not sustain their strong starts in each set, falling to a young Korea squad in the classification phase of the 6th AVC Seniors Championship for Women, 13-25, 26-24, 7-25, 21-25, in Thailand.
The Nationals stayed within range of the Koreans early in each set, but failed to follow through. Following a 2-2 start in the first frame, the Philippines let Korea run loose, 14-5. After clutch plays from Cha Cruz-Behag and Aiza Maizo-Pontillas gave the Philippines the second set, Korea responded with a vengeance, pouncing on the Philippines back row to dominate the third frame.
A back-and-forth fourth set swung towards Korea’s favor, after a solo 3-0 run from Yerim Go gave them a 19-16 cushion. Aby Maraño gave her team one last gasp, but fell short in the as Go and Ha Hyejin finished off the match.
The loss sends the Philippines to a classification match for 9th bout with Kazakhstan, whom the Nationals beat last Tuesday, tomorrow.
Alyss Valdez continued to lead the Philippines, finishing with 15 points while Cruz-Behad managed eight markers.
Yerim Go topped the Koreans with 23 markers while Ha Hyejin added 21.
Korea moves on the battle for fifth on Saturday.
The Scores
Philippines (1) – Valdez 15, Cruz-Behag 8, Maraño 7, Ortiz 7, Maizo-Pontillas 5, Reyes 5, Paat 4, Sato 1, Soltones 1, Galanza 0, Morado 0, Nabor 0, Gohing (L), Lazaro (L)
Korea (3) – Go 23, Ha 21, Hwang 17, Kim 7, Park 5, An 4, Han 1, Jeong 0, Ji 0, Kim (L)
