By Jonas Terrado
Games Friday
(Sta. Rosa, Laguna)
3 p.m. — Philippines vs Brunei
5 p.m. — Malaysia vs Singapore
The Philippines shoots for a spot in the semifinals against Brunei in Friday’s netball competitions of the 30th Southeast Asian Games at the City of Sta. Rosa Multi-Purpose Complex in Laguna.
National netball player Jhianne Layug during Wednesday’s match against Thailand. (Screengrabbed from 1 Play Sports)
The Pinay side is eager to arrest a string of lopsided defeats and secure a final four seat against its Brunei counterparts in the match set at 3 p.m.
Victory had eluded the team since the event began last Monday, losing 80-28 to Singapore followed by an 88-25 setback to defending champion Malaysia and 64-29 to Thailand.
Thursday was an off-day for the team, hoping that the rest can benefit their preparation against the Bruneians who are likewise holding a 0-4 slate.
But the advantage may be on the hands of Brunei, which had beaten the Philippines in their two meetings since netball was revived in the 2015 Singapore Games.
Brunei downed the Philippines 56-32 in 2015 before prevailing 69-32 two years ago in Kuala Lumpur.
A game that is similar to basketball, netball has four 15-minute quarters with seven players allowed on a rectangular court. But unlike basketball, players can only advance the ball through passing at certain areas without dribbling.
Ana Thea Cenarosa is the team captain while the rest of the squad are Jhianne Layug, Katryna Rose Domino, Cathlyn Jane Seno, Zharmaine Velez, Eliezza Diane Ventura, Janelle Mendoza, Alexandrea Gastador, Kristine Abriam, Diana Doqueza, Loraine Angela Lim and Karen Domogma.
Source: Manila Bulletin
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