RIFFA, Bahrain - Alas Pilipinas will have to dig deep for a podium finish as it renews its rivalry with powerhouse Thailand in the bronze medal match of the Asian Youth Games on Wednesday, Oct. 29, at Isa Sports City.

The Philippine girls' volleyball team showed flashes of brilliance but could not sustain a strong start, falling to Iran, 28-26, 18-25, 19-25, 18-25, in the semifinals on Monday night.

The young Filipinas snatched the opening set but Iran found its rhythm and went on a tear, capitalizing on the Philippines' struggles to side out.

Rhose Almendralejo carried the scoring load with 25 points, including 23 attacks, while Sam Cantada added 14. Raine Alonzo chipped in seven, and Ysabella Cruz contributed five in a gallant effort for the Filipinas, who also struggled with service reception against the taller, more composed Iranian side.

Usually a steady presence on the floor, Philippine delegation flag bearer Harlene Serneche could not get things going and was limited to two points in the first set and one in the second.

Erstwhile unbeaten Thailand also suffered a stunning defeat as Indonesia prevailed, 26-24, 27-25, 25-17, in the other semifinal.

Despite the loss, libero Atasha Doroja remains hopeful and composed, vowing that the team will be stronger in the bronze medal match.

"First of all po, masakit po yung natalo po kami. We tried our best, we gave our best sa game pero I think marami pa po kaming kailangan pagtrabahuhan, lapses, which I think maka-clutch naman po namin para sa battle for third namin against Thailand," said Doroja.

"Ang masasabi ko lang po is there's more to grow, bawat isa po sa amin - emotionally pati sa skills. Marami pa po talagang room for improvement. Pagtatrabahuhan namin po yun sa next days, the next months, the next years."

Doroja also expressed gratitude to the Filipino fans in Bahrain who have been rallying behind the team throughout the tournament.

"Gusto ko lang pong pasalamatan yung mga Filipino fans po na nandito. Maraming maraming salamat po sa effort, sa pagpunta niyo sa amin, sa panonood niyo po sa amin, whether we win or we lose, maraming maraming salamat po sa pagsuporta niyo. Babawi po kami, kukunin po namin yung third."

The Philippines will now look to avenge its earlier loss to Thailand, which dominated their preliminary-round encounter, 25-21, 25-18, 25-14. But this time, Alas Pilipinas hopes familiarity will play to its advantage.

"Nakalaban na po namin sila so di na po siguro bago if papasok kami sa loob ng court," said Doroja. "Naaral po namin sila and mas familiar naman po kami sa kanila ngayon kumpara po sa dati, which is advantage na po sa amin."

The Thais, led by Wisanruta Sengna and Supawadee Panwilai, will be eager to repeat their preliminary-round sweep of the Philippine team.