The Philippine Women’s National Volleyball Team got its bearings right in the third and fourth set in its exhibition match against world no. 7 Japan.
The Pinays dropped the four-set tuneup, 14-25, 9-25, 23-25, 19-25, Sunday at the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.
But despite the defeat, it was still a success for the Philippines, going toe-to-toe with the only undefeated team in the Volleyball Nations League in the last two frames.
And that performance earned some praise from Japan captain Sarina Koga, who only played in the first two salvos.
“The Philippines has taller players now and they are really aggressive. Totally,” said Koga, the 2017 V.League MVP.
“Defense, offense, everything. They are aggressive.”
With praises like that from Koga, the Philippines surely made some strives even without bagging a single set.
And that was to the delight of the fans who trooped to the San Juan arena.
Koga appreciated the support they got even though they are the Philippines’ opponent and is hoping that they get to see more of the volleyball-crazed Pinoy fans in the VNL, which is slated to start on Tuesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
“I’m very happy with the support we get here in the Philippines. Today, there are a lot of people who watched us and it was a good atmosphere,” she said.
“I hope they watch VNL as well and support us against Poland.”
Japan will battle the Polish squad on Tuesday, 7 pm, with hopes to remain undefeated.
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