Pinay spikers score historic Asiad victory

JAKARTA — After back-to-back shutout losses, the Philippine volley belles stayed persistent and nailed a first win in 36 years in Asian Games women’s volleyball competition with a 25-18, 25-21, 25-22 drubbing of Hong Kong at the GOR Bulungan Hall here yesterday.

Alyssa Valdez hammered in 14 points while Jaja Santiago drove in 12 as the Filipinas scored the breakthrough victory paving the way for their entry into the knockout quarterfinals.

They go for another win versus the home team at 8 p.m. tomorrow in pursuit of a better seeding in the Final Eight.

“Seeing them (Hong Kong) in their game against Indonesia, I really thought we’re better than them. We’re now in the quarterfinals, but we want a better position so we’ll also try to beat Indonesia,” said national coach Shaq delos Santos.

At third or fourth from Pool A, the Nationals will be ranged against a powerhouse team in the quarters, either against China or Korea.

Mika Reyes, Kianna Kim Dy, Mylene Paat, Mary Joy Baron, Denise Manabat and Aby Marano contributed at least four points each as the Philippines bested Hong Kong and claimed a first win for the country since it last participated in Asiad volleyball in 1982 in India.

It’s their first win here after a 22-25, 12-25, 15-25 loss to Thailand and a 12-25, 15-25, 21-25 defeat at the hands of Japan.

Valdez topscored with 14 points on 10 spikes and four aces, while Santiago delivered eight kills, two aces, and two blocks for 12 points.

Back-to-back aces by Valdez highlighted the Filipinas’ breakaway from 8-all deadlock before Reyes and Kim Fajardo struck to seal their first-set win.

And the Filipinas made sure not to waste the effort, fighting with great resolve all throughout the next two sets to the delight of the cheering Philippine gallery.—