A strong final-frame stand from the Philippine Women’s National Floorball Team was not enough to overhaul a huge deficit against Singapore, as the defending SEA Games champion took an 8-1 win, Thursday at the UP College of Human Kinetics Gym, Quezon City.
The Filipinas needed this win for at least have a chance for the gold medal match. Instead, it was Singapore that virtually sealed the top spot heading into the final day of the opening round.
Singapore forward Hui Hui Ong scored the tournament’s fastest goal so far, turning it in just 45 seconds from the opening alarm. The 31-year old then doubled her output at the 3:50 mark of the first to put the lead at 2-0.
Two straight goals from the visitors forced the Philippines to call for time. Unfortunately, the defending champions were the ones capitalizing on the following opportunity to score, as Amanda Yeap extended the advantage, 5-0.
The Filipinas would not be blanked, though. An excellent passage of play resulted in their lone goal of the game in the 56th minute. Edelyn Embile whipped the ball and found Jerylou Berdan for the shot and the score to cut the deficit to five, 1-6.
Singapore, however, scored twice to end the match. Nordiana Yeari and Swee Ling Ong both found the back of the net.
Forward Roxane Ruiz rued the Filipinas’ condition going into the match.
“Medyo marami kaming may sakit ngayon eh. Tapos ‘yung captain rin namin, na-injure nung isang araw,” she said. “Kaya medyo kapos kami ngayon, pero fight naman kami.”
Singapore remains on top of the table with a 3-0 record, followed by Thailand at 3-1. The Philippines and Malaysia are level at 1-2.
Ruiz, nonetheless, looks ahead into that potential bronze medal match preview against Malaysia on Friday.
“We are focusing on the game against Malaysia, who we are competing in the three to four-position as Singapore and Thailand are the top two now. Focus na lang para bukas kasi parang mental game na kasi ‘yun, kasi twice namin silang makikita.”
The Philippines-Malaysia clash is scheduled at 1 p.m. at the same venue.
