FOR the second leg running, the Philippines finished last in the Southeast Asia V.League after losing to Indonesia, 25-22, 21-25, 22-25, 24-26, in Chiang Mai, Thailand on Sunday.
In a veritable rerun of the first leg’s bronze-medal match, Indonesia ended its winless run at the expense of the Philippines on the final playdate to capture third place behind Asian powerhouses Thailand and Vietnam.
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But unlike their first meeting, Alyssa Solomon & Co. faced the Indonesians with much more grit and power as they pushed the bronze medalists to the edge.
An improved defensive stance for the nationals still could not contain the hot hands of Indonesia.
At 22-18 in the fourth frame, Bella Belen and Chams Maaya steered the Philippines to within striking distance of a deciding fifth set.
But through Indonesian ace Siti, the match no longer needed an extension as her power kills shut the door on the nationals' podium bid.
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