HOST Philippines' gallant stand was not enough to stop defending champion China on Tuesday night in their Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Cup for Women match on Tuesday at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig.
Returning Jia De Guzman and Tots Carlos led an underdog Philippine side made up mostly of Creamline club players who put up a whale of a fight before losing in straight sets, 25-16, 25-22, 25-20.
[READ: Jema Galanza stands tall for PH spikers]
China is now a win away from sweeping Pool A while the hosts remained winless in two games, although they need just one win in their remaining two games to advance to the quarterfinals for the first time.
"We gave our best for today's game and going up against China, to be able to stick with them for most of the game is something we can be proud of and something na we will bring this kind of experience to our next back to back games," said De Guzman, who finished with five points in her return.
The national team lost all three sets but kept each set close against the five-time champions, thanks to two-time Premier Volleyball League MVP Carlos' 15-point outing.
Carlos' back-to-back hits sparked the Philippines' fightback in the second set that turned an 11-14 deficit into a tied 18-18 game on an ace from Jema Galanza. She fnished with 11 points for the hosts.
China surged ahead 22-19, before Michele Gumabao - who finished with 11 markers - tied it on an off the block hit, 22-22. But the late comeback was not enough as the reigning champs scored the next three points for a two-set lead.
The Pinoys tried to push the Chinese to the limits in the third set, leading the five-time champions, 18-15, before Zhuang Yushan and Wu Mengjie connived in a 12-2 finishing run.
China is now a win away from sweeping Pool A while the hosts remained winless in two games, although they need just one win in their remaining two games to advance to the quarterfinals for the first time.
Wu topped all scorers with 24 points, while Zhuang added 10 markers.
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