By KRISTEL SATUMBAGA
A weary Philippines side gained some measure of pride by turning back a feisty Australian side, 21-25, 25-19, 19-25, 25-18, 15-12, and gaining a chance to finish fifth in the Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Cup for Women Sunday, Aug. 28.
Still reeling from a four-set quarterfinal loss against Thailand in less than 24 hours, the Filipinas showed big heart in the pivotal fifth set to set up a meeting with Chinese Taipei Monday, Aug. 29.
Regardless of the result against the Taiwanese, the country is now assured of its best finish in the event following a ninth-place performance in the 2018 decision.
Chinese Taipei earlier swept Iran in the other classification match, 25-23, 25-19, 25-17.
“Sabi nga ni coach Sherwin (Meneses), championship game ngayon. We feel like we won the championship,” said Tots Carlos, who unleashed 26 points including the game-winning spike that had the fans at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City cheering.
An emotional Jema Galanza said it was all heart in the crunch.
“Naisip ko lang yung mga taong nagtitiwala sa team namin na makapunta kung saan kami ngayon kaya nilaban talaga namin. Andito na kami, bakit pa namin pakakawalan,” said Galanza, who shone with 18 points including five in the fifth set.
Ced Domingo also made the difference with 15 points built on 11 kills and three blocks, while Panaga and Jia De Guzman combined with 10 points.
De Guzman also distributed the ball well with 32 excellent sets.
The win overshadowed the 25-point output of Tipping for Australia, who arranged a meeting with Iran for seventh place.
