By KRISTEL SATUMBAGA
The Philippines bucked a third-set hiccup and turned back a gritty Iran side, 25-19, 25-22, 20-25, 25-14, to nail its first win in the 2022 Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Cup for Women at the Philsports Complex in Pasig City Wednesday night, Aug. 24.
Jema Galanza sparkled for the Filipinas particularly in the fourth where she triggered the telling breakaway to the delight of another highly appreciative crowd.
By snapping a two-game losing run, the Filipinas now have a better chance of advancing to the quarterfinals.
But for them to do so, they have to hurdle a young South Korean squad Thursday.
Michele Gumabao credited the team’s never-say-die attitude especially after losing their first ball in the third set.
“It was a good run for us especially dun sa third set, dun kami na-challenge pero ansaya kasi nakabalik kami, nahabol namin and ang pinakamaganda, naka-adjust kami sa kahit anong bola o anong lamang ng kalaban,” Gumabao said.
Galanza hammered down 21 points, including 20 from the attack line to fuel the Filipinas, while Tots Carlos and Gumabao also shone with 14 and 13 points, respectively.
Despite Iran’s height advantage, the Filipinas managed to outspike their rivals, 55-43, and posted more blocks, 11-10.
Gumabao said the key was playing with no pressure.
“Every single game naman our coaches are there to remind us that we play with no pressure but with pride for the Philippines. Ilaban namin hanggang sa dulo, so every single game talagang binibigay namin ang best namin,” she said.
ElahePoor Saleh Shahdehsari was the lone double-digit scorer for Iran with 13 points, while Mahsa Kadkhoda added nine points.
