The Philippines saw its hopes of bagging the bronze medal crushed after bowing to Malaysia in extra time, 0-1, in the 30th Southeast Asian Games Women’s Floorball, Sunday at the UP-College of Human Kinetics Gym in Diliman.
The Filipinas appeared to have the match under control as the first three periods ended scoreless. But Nurfarah Yusof managed to swing it in near the right post and made it at the 65th minute to snag the bronze for the Malaysians.
The Philippines had chances early in the extra period when it turned aggressive on offense. Unfortunately, its counterparts’ defense was on point, especially with goalkeeper Michaela Khoo as she denied the Filipinas’ first four attempts.
There was no repeat this time of what the Filipinas did to Malaysia last Friday, where they forced a 4-4 draw.
Still, team captain Jade Rivera and the crew are sticking to the positives, that it will only help them in the long run.
“It’s an eye-opener for us,” she said, as it marked the first time the Philippines took part in the SEAG floorball.
The Philippines finished fourth among five countries with a 1-1-3 win-tie-loss record following the stinging defeat.
On the other hand, it was sweet victory for Malaysia after failing to secure a medal back in the 2015 edition of the regional biennial meet in Singapore. Then, it lost to both Thailand and the host, who eventually won the gold medal.
The Singaporeans, meanwhile, managed to repeat as champions following a pulsating 3-2 win over the Thais.
Jerelee Ong came up big for the ladies in red down the stretch, shooting the ball over the goalkeeper at the 57th minute to give her side the lead and eventually the triumph — this, after Singapore trailed 1-2 during in the second period.
Singapore finished the tournament with a perfect 4-0 record. Silver medalists Thailand ended up with a 3-0-1 slate.
