THE Philippines bucked a first set loss to beat Myanmar, 20-25, 25-14, 25-10, 25-17, for its first win in the Asian Southeastern Zone Women’s World Championship qualifier in Quang Tri, Vietnam Saturday night.
The V-League selection was in full control of the match even after Myanmar rallied back to take the opening set despite trailing, 14-16.
Notwithstanding the fightback, the Filipinas kept their composure and came through in the next three sets for the win.
Dindin Santiago of National University had 16 points, Alyssa Valdez of Ateneo had 15, and Jaja Santiago also of NU added 12 for the PSC-POC V-Belles, whose week-long trip was funded by Smart.
The win allowed the Filipinas to bounced back from a straight set loss against host Vietnam in the tournament opener Friday.
Valdez had nine points and Jaja Santiago added seven in the loss to Vietnam.
Team manager Tony Boy Liao said the team played differently from its first match against the Vietnamese.
“The team played confidently and had a very good first ball,” said Liao in an SMS message. “No tension, very relaxed not like last night.”
The Philippines wrap up its campaign on Sunday against Indonesia, which was playing the host as of posting time.
Indonesia swept Myanmar in its first outing Friday, 25-21, 25-17, 25-15.
Liao expressed confidence about their chances against the Indons.
“If they play the same way tomorrow against Indonesia, they can win,” Liao said.
The top finisher in the four-team tournament will advance to the Asian qualifiers.
Liao, however, said it will now be a difficult task to make it to the next phase even though a triple tie for first place amongst the Vietnamese, Indons, and Filipinas are possible.
“Quotient, mababa tayo,” Liao admitted.
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