Philippines slips out of gold-medal hunt, falls to Thailand

The Philippine Women’s Volleyball National Team again went to a Thai clinic

Fighting an uphill battle throughout, the Philippines failed to find their footing, slipping to Thailand, 21-25, 17-25, 17-25, in the 29th Southeast Asian Games semifinals in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Though their playstyle was being emulated by the Pinays, Thailand outclassed their counterparts on all fronts. Early in the first set, the Philippines clung to a 16-18 lead before Thailand buckled down. Stifling the Nationals’ offense, the Thais allowed just three more points from across the net and dominated the rest of the match.

Gunning for their 13th SEA Games gold medal, Thailand made short work of the next two sets, taking double-digit leads with ease. The Philippines managed short spurts at the tail-end of each set but never threatened to extend the match.

Six-foot-five converted winger Jaja Santiago topped the Philippines with 15 points. Open hitter Alyssa Valdez added 10 markers.

“Today was a definitely tough match for us. Pero hindi pa tayo tapos. We still have a shot at bronze kaya laban nang laban,” Valdez said.

Three Thais scored in double-digits with Pleumjit Thinkaow and Kokram Pimpichaya dealing out 13 points, each. Middle blocker Hattaya Bamrungsuk managed 12 markers.

Thailand aims for their 11th straight gold medal in the regional meet when they challenge Indonesia, tomorrow. The Philippines moves into the battle for bronze, where it faces Vietnam for the third time in three weeks.

The Scores

Thialand (3) – Pimpichaya 13, Pleumjit 13, Hattaya 12, Ajcharaporn 9, Chachu-on 5, Wilavan 4, Pornpun 1, Jarasporn 0, Nootsara 0, Tapaphaipun 0, Piyanut (L)

Philippines (0) – Santiago 15, Valdez 10, Gonzaga 7, Maraño 6, Molina 3, Ortiz 2, Pontillas 1, Dimaculangan 0, Fajardo 0, Reyes 0, Macandili (L)