BINAN — Foton Pilipinas bid goodbye to its fifth place dreams after it bowed to Sarmayeh Bank of Iran, 18-25, 21-25, 12-25, 22-25, on Saturday in the classification phase of the 2016 AVC Asian Women’s Club Championship at Alonte Sports Arena.
American import Lindsay Stalzer scored 18 points for Foton Pilipinas, while EJ Laure scored 12 off the bench, including seven in the third set.
The Philippines’ best finish in the tournament was 6th when Accel Pilipinas represented the country in 2006.
Foton, however, will not be able to match that after being relegated to the battle for seventh spot against T. Grand of Chinese Taipei.
“I’m not disappointed on the whole thing but I’m disappointed that we failed on the fifth place,” said Foton Pilipinas coach Fabio Menta.
Foton Pilipinas saved match point thrice after a service error from Iran and Laure’s back-to-back service aces, 22-24, but Rhea Dimaculangan’s net touch handed Sarmayeh Bank the win.
“Overall maganda pa rin naman ang pinakita namin and syempre ginawa namin ang best namin kahit nagkulang,” said Laure.
Farnoosh Sheikhi led the way for Iran with 17 points, while Mahsa Kadkhoda added 16 and Esfahani Maedeh Borhani chipped in 10.
Sarmayeh Bank will face Thongtin Lien Viet Post Bank of Vietnam in the battle for fifth.
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