Facing a ruckus home crowd and their virtuoso star, the Philippines Women’s National Volleyball Team could not withstand host Indonesia in their group match, 20-25, 20-25, 26-24, 22-25, in Jakarta, Indonesia.
The Filipinas, who fell to a 1-3 record, will next face another Asian powerhouse in China in the knockout quarterfinals, starting on August 29.
Alyssa Valdez led the Philippines with 16 points while Jaja Santiago chipped in 13 markers
The Philippines struggled to maintain strong starts against Indonesia. Staying within two points of their foes through the first set, the Nationals lost grip when their serve reception gave way to a decisive 21-17 Indonesia lead.
Rejiggering their lineup with Cha Cruz at open hitter, the Philippines took a momentary 9-7 lead in the second set. Behind solid hitting from ace Aprilia Manganang, the hosts responded quickly and buried the Philippines in a 22-17 hole.
The third set had a fiery Alyssa Valdez tow the Philippines to a 15-11 lead. Indonesia again mustered another run, firing out five straight points and staying close until the late game. Dragging into a deuce, Jaja Santiago saved the Philippines, scoring her squad’s last three points, including the set-winning ace.
Showing signs of fatigue, Manganang took a seat to start the fourth set. Indonesia pummeled the Philiplines early, 16-12, despite missing their star. Subbing in setter Jia Morado, the Philippines immediately rattled off a 6-1 run to grab a 18-17 advantage. That, however, was the Philippines’ last gasp as the hosts worked off a rejuvenated Manganang to grab an insurmountable 22-18 lead.
As the dust settled, the hulking Manganang tallied 28 points.
