MANILA – Choco Mucho-Philippines ended their campaign in the 2021 Asian Women’s Club Volleyball Championship at sixth place after a 25-14, 25-11, 25-23 loss to Zhetysu of Kazakhstan on Thursday at Terminal 21 Hall in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand.
The Arthur “Odjie” Mamon-mentored crew exited the week-long volleyball tournament with one win and four defeats but also improved the eighth place finish of a Philippine squad in the same tournament in 2017.
It was Choco Mucho’s second time to lose by straight sets to Zhetysu in the competition but this recent battle-for-fifth place match displayed the Philippines’ improvement.
After handily winning the first two sets, Zhetysu seemed headed to a quick finish after building a 22-15 lead in the third se,t but Choco Mucho clawed its way back to tie the score at 23-all on a Marivic Meneses quick hit.
Zhetysu, however, survived the pressure being the much more experienced squad and clinched the next two points on Valeriya Chumak’s go-ahead kill and Kalei Mau’s error on her attack.
Outside hitter Mau spearheaded Choco Mucho with 12 points on eight attacks and four blocks, while middle hitters Meneses and Aklanon Dell Palomata combined for 11 points.
Valeriya Shatunova and Tatyana Nikitina took turns in putting down powerful attacks for the fifth-placers Zhetysu with the former finishing with 13 points and the latter adding nine.
“Although we have been really erratic and started on the wrong foot against Zhetysu, we can see the improvement of the girls each day we play,” said national women’s volleyball team mentor Mamon.
Philippine National Volleyball Federation president Ramon Suzara commended the showing of the two Philippine-based teams in the tournament as it served its purpose of gaining exposure and experience against their veteran foes.
“Well done for the national team program that’s still in its infant stage,” Suzara said. “In time, these ladies will blossom into one solid team that could stand heads and shoulders with the best in Asia.”/PN
