GOLD is now out of reach for the Philippine women's floorball team, falling to Singapore, 8-1, in the 30th Southeast Asian Games on Thursday at UP CHK Gym.
It was the Filipinas' second loss to fall to a 1-2 record, ahead of their clash against Malaysia on Friday, which is effectively a preview of the bronze medal match set on Sunday.
Hui Hui Ong wasted little time trotting out the prowess of the Singaporeans, scoring the opening goal 45 seconds into the match before following it up with an unassisted goal at the fourth minute to suddenly make it a 2-0 affair.
Singapore left Filipina goalkeeper Michele Simpson dazed in the second period with a flurry of goals in the first 10 minutes, with Tiffany Ong scoring at the 24th minute, Michelle Lok at the 28th, and immediately after, Amanda Yeap's at the 29th minute which came off of a timeout.
Chances were scarce for the hosts as the Singapore defense remained stout even with a comfortable lead in the final period that even Jerymae Berdan's clear shot at the 51st was foiled by keeper Jessica Chua.
In contrast, Nordiana Mohd Yeari sailed the ball past three defenders to score off of an assist from Swee Ling Ong at the 52nd minute.
Jerylou Berdan saved the Philippines' face, sending the ball past Chua at the 57th minute from Edelyn Embile.
Mohd Yeari, however, was quick on the retort, scoring her second goal at the 58th minute before Swee Ling Ong ended the match with another goal with 21 seconds left to play.
"It was a tough game for us," admitted forward Roxane Ruiz, with the Filipinas now shifting their focus on the match against Malaysia.
"Focus lang talaga bukas. Mental game na rin yun kasi twice namin sila makikita. Fight lang talaga."
Singapore, the gold medalists the last time the floorball competitions were held in 2015, assured itself a spot in the Finals against Thailand as it remained unbeaten at 3-0.
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