Philippine volleybelles denied podium finish
THE 29th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games bid of the Philippine women’s volleyball team ended yesterday sans a medal after it lost in four sets to Vietnam, 2527, 25-22, 25-20 and 25-21, in the bronze-medal game at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Center.
Relegated to the bronze-medal game after falling to defending gold medalist Thailand the previous day, the Philippine volleybelles tried to salvage a thirdplace finish but Vietnam would not be a party to it.
The Philippines started well in the bronze-medal game, claiming a tight first set that went overdrive.
But the Vietnamese team would find its bearing and stave off a tough challenge from the Filipinas to claim the next two frames.
Sensing that it has seized the momentum, Vietnam came out strong in the fourth set, creating some distance with the Philippines early.
But the Philippines would make a rally to cut its deficit to 14-10, midway into the frame and later on to 22-19.
Vietnam, however, would not be denied of the bronze as it went on to finish things.
The win marked the second time that Vietnam defeated the Philippines in the event in this year’s Games after that in the group stage in straight sets.
Jaja Santiago top- scored for the Philippines with 20 points, 17 off kills and three aces, while Alyssa Valdez added 17 points.
Jovelyn Gonzaga had 13 and Aby Maraño finished with nine points.
Vietnam, meanwhile, was paced by Tran Thi Thanh Thuy with 26 points and Nguyen Thi Ngoc Hoa had 20.
“We aimed at least for a bronze. I really don’t know what to say right now. But I saw the players fought until the end. We still have to work on our composure and not rush our game. Nonetheless it’s an improvement for us,” said coach Francis Vicente to a group of reporters after their final game.
The fourth-place finish of the Philippines in women’s volleyball is a rung higher of its fifth place position in the 2015 SEA Games in Singapore. —