By KRISTEL SATUMBAGA
Tired and all, the Philippines relied purely on heart but it wasn’t enough and fell to Chinese Taipei, 28-26, 25-21, 25-21, in the battle for fifth in the Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Cup for Women at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City Monday, Aug. 29.
The Filipinas, represented by Premier Volleyball League champion Creamline Cool Smashers, gamely battled the taller and more experienced Taiwanese, coming through with a series of deadly attacks.
The Taiwanese, however, proved steadier and deadlier down the stretch.
The PH team gave the Taiwanese a tough fight in the opening set, with the latter – all membes of its national team – needing four set-point advantages before claiming the frame.
Ced Domingo led the PH team with 12 points, Michele Gumabao added nine and Jeanaette Panaga and Jema Galanza finished with eight points each. Tots Carlos was limited to seven points.
Skipper Chang Li-Wen gave the Filipinas the biggest headache by unloading 18 points built on 14 kills, three blocks and one ace to steer the Taiwanese to a fifth place finish.
Despite the defeat, it was still the best finish of the PH team in the tournament after placing ninth in 2018.
PH team captain Jia Morado was happy with the overall outcome after posting three wins against four losses.
“It could have been different if we had more time to prepare, but the whole team was willing to step up to the opportunity and we’re really grateful for it,” said Morado, referring to the last-minute call to represent the country in the event a week after winning the PVL Open Conference.
“Yung mga lessons na nakuha namin sa tournament, sobrang nakatulong talaga.”
“From ninth place in 2018 to sixth in 2022, it’s a great improvement,” Philippine National Volleyball Federation president Ramon “Tats” Suzara said.
The Filipinas also refused to give up easily late in the third, closing the gap at 20-all before Chang smashed three straight down-the-line kills for 23-20 and never looked back.
Meanwhile, Japan captured its first gold medal by ending China’s reign with a 25-23, 25-21, 19-25, 25-16 win.
The victory avenged the Japanese loss to the Chinese in the 2018 edition held in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand.
“It’s so great for this first win. Especially that we won all together, that was really great,” said Japan setter Mika Shibata, who emerged as the tournament Most Valuable Player, through an interpreter.
Mizuki Tanaka led the Japanese with 19 points while substitute Miwako Osanai added 15 points.
