A tired and weary Philippines relied purely on heart but it wasn’t enough to stave off a 28-26, 25-21, 25-21 defeat to Chinese Taipei and finish sixth in the Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Cup for Women at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City Monday, Aug. 29.
The Filipinas, represented by Premier Volleyball League champion Creamline Cool Smashers, dug deep but still fell short to the taller and more experienced Taiwanese, whose players are members of the national team.
Skipper Chang Li-Wen gave the Filipinas the biggest headache by unloading 18 points built on 14 kills, three blocks and one ace to steer the Taiwanese to a fifth place finish.
Despite the defeat, it was still the best finish of the PH team in the tournament after placing ninth in 2018.
PH team captain Jia Morado-de Guzman is still happy with the overall outcome, where the squad finished with three wins against four losses.
“It could have been different if we had more time to prepare, but the whole team was willing to step up to the opportunity and we’re really grateful for it,” said Morado-de Guzman, referring to the last-minute call to represent the country in the event a week after winning the PVL Open Conference.
“Yung mga lessons na nakuha namin sa tournament, sobrang nakatulong talaga.”
The PH team gave the Taiwanese a tough fight in the opening set, needing four set-point advantages before claiming the frame.
The Filipinas also refused to give up easily late in the third, closing the gap at 20-all before Chang smashed three straight down-the-line kills for 23-20 and never looked back.
Ced Domingo led the PH team with 12 points, Michele Gumabao added nine and Jeanaette Panaga and Jema Galanza finished with eight points each. Tots Carlos was limited to seven points.