MANILA – The Philippine women’s volleyball team failed to capitalize on its strong start to suffer a 25-22, 26-28, 22-25, 14-25 defeat to Indonesia in the 30th Southeast Asian Games on Saturday night at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.
It was the third straight defeat for the national women’s volleyball team, heading into their battle for bronze against Indonesia anew this evening at the same venue.
After winning the opening set, the Philippine team seemed headed to dominating the second frame after building a 20-15 but the Indonesians rallied back to tie the score at 26 all before turning things around with Wulandari Ratri hit.
It was a seesaw battle in the third frame with the Filipinas continued to breathe down the Indonesians’ neck, knocking to within a point, 22-23, before the Indons end it behind Hangestri Pertiwi Megawati.
In the fourth set, the Indonesians relied on their precise execution at the net, doubling on the Filipinas at 20-10 and never looking back.
“Siyempre nasayangan kami kasi first set nakuha na namin. Second and third sets parating lead kami, pero ang pinaglalabanan kasi rito ‘yung endgame…paano namin masusu-sustain from the start till the end,” said Ilongga Abigail Marano./PN
