TIME just wasn't on the Philippine women's floorball team's side as its comeback against Thailand fell short, 6-3, to suffer its first defeat in the 30th Southeast Asian Games on Tuesday at UP CHK Gym.
Two goals in the final eight minutes revitalized the Filipinas after staring at a 6-1 deficit, but it was a case of too little too late as the Thais leaned on that cushion to score their second win in as many games at the expense of the Filipinas.
With the loss, the Philippines dropped to a 1-1 record, but will have two days to make the necessary adjustments before heading to its must-win match against Singapore on Thursday to stay in contention for the gold medal.
Michelle Jennifer Lindahl gave the Filipinas a boost with a goal in the 53rd minute, before Michelle Cruzado flipped one in five minutes later.
Still, it was an effort which could have been more welcome if it came earlier as the Philippines found itself playing catch-up for the better part of the match.
Quick on the attack was Thailand, scoring two goals in the first six minutes after an excellent connection from Kanyanut Nakpolkrung to Nelly Johannson for the opening goal at the second minute, before Thanaporn Tongkham assisted forward Aliisa Syrjaenen for the 2-0 lead at the 5:14 mark of the first period.
Soraya Klinsrisuk made it a commanding 3-0 advantage, capitalizing on a wild scramble and scoring a goal the 19th minute.
Roxane Ruiz did get the Philippines on the board in the 24th minute, but Lalita Kuiraphanew had a quick response to make it a 4-1 lead.
Compounding the Filipinas' woes was the ankle injury team captain Jade Rivera suffered in the 27th minute as she never returned to the game.
Tongkham scored with 2:27 remaining in the second period, converting on a counter-attack that put her side up, 5-1.
Johannson continued her brilliance in the third period, smashing the ball to the top left of the goal off of an assist from Kuiraphanew at the 47th minute for Thailand's sixth goal of the contest to erect the five-goal lead that it to the victory.
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