JAKARTA – The Philippines fell to Indonesia, 25-20, 25-20, 24-26, 25-22, on Saturday night at the end of its preliminary campaign in the 18th Asian Games women’s volleyball competition at the GBK Tennis Indoor here.
The Pinay spikers fought toe-to-toe with the Indonesians but Aprilia Manganang took charge at the right time for the hosts in taking the four-set win.
Manganang finished with 28 points as Indonesia posted its second win in three games to join Japan in second place in Pool A.
The Philippines, though, showed a gallant fight in a thrilling third set, with Jaja Santiago taking charge late in the set to get a win.
Alyssa Valdez scored 16 points while Jaja Santiago had 13 points for the Philippines, which dropped to 1-3, but is already through to the quarterfinal after Hong Kong lost to Thailand earlier in the day.
“Siyempre sobrang happy pero naniniwala pa rin kami na meron pang i-aangat ‘yung team namin. Hindi kami mawawalan ng pag-asa. Hopefully, mag-perform pa rin kami sa process at malaki pa ang iimprove ng mga bata,” said national coach Shaq delos Santos.
The Philippines had to earn the third-set win. Santiago sent the third into set point, 24-23, before scoring two straight including an ace to end the third.
The Nationals were still up, 12-11, in the fourth set but Amalia Fajrina Nabila’s jump serves receives difficult, scoring on an ace before Manangang’s sister, Amasya, scored on another attack for a 16-12 lead.
The Philippines tied the match once again at 17 but Manangang returned to the match and took over for Indonesia.
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