PH volleybelles log first AVC Cup win
Members of the Philippine team led by Gemma Galanza (23) celebrate after a win against Iran in the AVC Cup for Women on Wednesday night, August 24, 2022, at the Philsports Arena. | PNVF Communication Commission
The Philippines weathered a rough third set to edge Iran, 25-19, 25-22, 20-25, 25-14, on Wednesday evening, August 24, 2022, to get closer to qualifying for the quarterfinals of the AVC Cup for Women at the PhilSports Arena, Pasig City.
The Philippines earned its first victory in three games and now has entered the win column in Pool A. Iran suffered its third defeat in three games.
The Filipina volleybelles bounced back strong from a loss to China on Tuesday by relying on their first ball in the fourth set after Jema Galanza, Michele Gumabao and Tots Carlos relentlessly attacked the Iranians.
“We were not able to recover in the third set because we lost our first ball. The Iranians were intimidating with their height when you lose the first ball. Had we had good receive, we will have good combination plays,” said coach Sherwin Meneses in a press release.
Galanza scored eight of her 21-points in the fourth set to lead the Philippines. Carlos had 14, while Gumabao added 13 to aid Galanza in their victory.
Aside from their resounding offense, the Filipinas also had an excellent defense after tallying a total of 11 blocks. Middle blockers in Jeanette Panaga and Ced Domingo combined for five blocks.
Jeanette Panaga was determined to rebound after a disappointing performance for the Philippines against China last Tuesday. The national women’s team failed to score a single block against the Chinese.
“We really need to bounce back. Of course, I needed to step up,” said Panaga. “If there’s what’s lacking against China, we need to bounce back against Iran.”
Elahe Poor Saleh Shadehsari led the Iranians with 13 points, including two service aces, while Mahsa Kadkhoda contributed nine points.
The Philippines faces South Korea next on Thursday night.
Meanwhile, Thailand beat Chinese-Taipei, 25-20, 25-18, 25-16 to wrap up its Pool B campaign impressively.
Chatchu-on Moksri and Pimpichaya Kokram scored 16 and 11 points, respectively for the winning team.
Thailand won its second straight match after opening their campaign with a loss to Japan. With reports from PNVFI press release
/bmjo
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