THE Philippines squandered a two-set lead as Australia completed a 21-25, 21-25, 26-24, 25-16, 15-10 win in the 6th AVC Asian Cup on Sunday in Nakhon Ratchasima in Thailand.
Alyssa Valdez finished with 25 points, while Mylene Paat added 17, and Cha Cruz-Behag had eight points to lead the Pinay spikers, who started their campaign (0-1) in Pool C.
The Philippines was ahead in the deciding set, 8-6, before Australia rallied with a 9-2 run to win the match.
It was a gallant stand for the Pinay spikers, who, down by three, 18-21, cruised to a 7-0 run to snatch the opening set.
Australia got back on its feet and put up a six-point cushion, 8-2, to start the second set but the Philippines regained composure to take the upper hand, 21-20, all the way to lead the match, 2-0.
The Australians posted a six-point advantage, 19-13 in the third set before the Pinay spikers grabbed the lead, 20-19, but the much-taller opponents from Down Under imposed their might to extend the contest.
From a slim, 18-15, lead, Australia went on a 7-1 rally to drag the Philippines to a decider.
The Philippines will face Iran on Monday and Kazakhstan on Tuesday.
Rachel Rourke delivered the goods for Australia as she scored 33 of the team’s 76 won points in the match that took two hours and 15 minutes.
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