First-timers Jayrack Dela Noche and Alexander Iraya bowed out of contention in the 3rd Asian U19 Beach Volleyball Championships after losing to Iranian foes Monday, July 5, in Nakhon Pathom, Thailand.
Dela Noche and Iraya absorbed a 21-12, 21-16 defeat at the hands of Iran-2’s Amir Reza Zamani and Armin Kami in a crucial duel that could have given the Filipinos a berth to the next round.
The PH pair was coming off a hard-fought 21-18, 21-15 loss to top seeds Netitorn Muneekul and Wachirawit Muadpha of Thailand Sunday to put them in a must-win situation in Pool A of the tournament.
Despite the defeats, Dela Noche and Iraya are expected to bring their experience in the tournament when they compete in the 4th Asian U21 Beach Volleyball Championships on July 12 at the same venue.
In a video posted at the Asian Volleyball Confederation Twitter account, Dela Noche and Iraya thanked their coaches and supporters for giving them confidence in their first international tournament.
They also vowed to do better in future tournaments.