By Betheena Unite
The Philippine women’s volleyball team failed to capture a medal after bowing to Indonesia in a five-set thriller 25-20, 24-26, 25-15, 20-25, 16-14 Monday at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
In this file photo, from left, Jia Morado, Mylene Paat and Aby Maraño on the floor as teammates Eya Laure and Kath Arado look on. (MB Photo / Alvin Kasiban)
Holding two match points in the deciding set 14-12, the nationals squandered the lead, allowing Indonesia to put together four straight points for a 16-14 finish for the bronze medal.
Down one set, the Filipinas showed grit in the fourth frame and led by as many as nine 21-12, going on to win the set and force a decider.
The Nationals carried their momentum over into the fifth set and managed to counter every attack from the Indonesians for a 6-5 edge on Eya Laure’s attack.
The Philippines led 10-7 and 12-8 after that and looked headed to a coasting victory before Indonesia came back with an 8-3 scoring spree to deny the Filipinas a podium finish in front of thousands of screaming hometown fans.
Ces Molina led the PH team with 17 points and 12 excellent digs. Standouts Alyssa Valdez and Majoy Baron tallied 14 and 11 points, respectively.
The trio of Mylene Paat, Jovelyn Gonzaga and Laure had seven points under their names.
Indonesia spiker Megawati Hangestri Pertiwi led the Indonesians’ bid with 35 big points, off 31 attacks, two blocks and two service aces.
Indonesia led in every department, posting 67 attack points against the Philippines’ 57. They also had more blocks than the national team, 12-8, and service aces 8-6.
The Philippines, however, had more digs 71-60 and excellent sets 26-18.
Source: Manila Bulletin
Xtra Sports ph 