Superliga takes bronze in Thai volley, makes history

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BY ADRIAN STEWART CO
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Sunday , September 10, 2017
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MANILA – Philippine Superliga salvaged a bronze medal in the 2017 Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn’s Cup Volleyball Tournament after defeating Khonkaen Star Volleyball Club 25-18, 25-22, 32-34, 25-22 in Sisaket, Thailand.

The feat on Friday was considered historic for the Filipino representative – it was the first time a team outside of Thailand landed a medal finish in the annual volleyball tournament.

It was also the Philippines’ best finish in the tournament after settling for sixth place in last year’s edition when the country was represented by the 2016 PSL Grand Prix champion Foton Tornadoes.

Superliga got to a strong start in the opening set behind Abigail Maraño, Jovelyn Gonzaga and Mika Reyes. Khonkaen tried to catch up midway but conversions from Maraño and Honey Royce Tubino closed the set for Philippines.

Both teams had a tight exchange in the second set. Superliga seized the advantage late in the set following hits from Maraño and Reyes.

After dropping a close third set, Superliga got into trouble early in the fourth frame but managed to pull away late in the period with Gonzaga, Aiza Maizo-Pontillas and Marjana Philips draining clutch hits.

“The players were very motivated and positive,” said head coach Shaq delos Santos. “They just enjoyed the game and did not back down from any setbacks.”

All in all, it was the team’s second win in the tournament after a 26-24, 25-19, 25-23 sweep of Rangsit University in the eliminations. Its losses were against Bangkok Glass (20-25, 19-25, 25-22, 15-25) and PEA-Sisaket (13-25, 13-25, 22-25) in the semis./PN
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