Atienza bags Best Libero award in  ASEAN Grand Prix 

Kyla Atienza receives her “Best Libero” award in the  2nd ASEAN Grand Prix Women’s Volleyball Invitation last September 11, 2022. | Photo from the AVC

CEBU CITY, Philippines—Despite failing to bring home a medal, Creamline Pilipinas managed to earn one award in the 2nd ASEAN Grand Prix Women’s Volleyball Invitation after Kyla Atienza was named the tournament’s “Best Libero,” on Sunday, September 11, 2022, in Thailand.

The 25-year-old Atienza, who plays for the Far Eastern University in the UAAP, had a fruitful outing in her second international stint with Creamline Pilipinas.

She impressed Filipino volleyball fans in her international debut during the AVC Cup for Women held in Manila. This time, she grabbed the Thais attention with her digs and saves, earning her the award.

However, Atienza and Creamline Pilipinas just couldn’t catch a break after losing to Indonesia, 24-26, 22-25, 23-25, in the battle for the bronze medal on Sunday evening. 

Creamline Pilipinas was at the set point courtesy of Michele Gumabao and Jema Galanza but failed to close the first set after Indonesia blocked their attacks.

The team suffered multiple errors in the second set, allowing the Indonesians to grab a 2-0 set lead. The Indonesians also overturned a 22-23 deficit in the third set to bag the bronze medal of the tournament. 

Galanza led Creamline Pilipinas with 16 points from 14 attacks, one block, and one service ace. Gumabao had 15 points, while Ced Domingo chipped in 10 points. 

Tots Carlos only had seven points compared to her 11-point outing against Vietnam. 

It was a subpar outing for the team compared to their bronze medal finish iin the 2019 edition, which was held in Santa Rosa, Laguna. 

Host team, Thailand had a perfect 3-0 (win-loss) record en route to winning the gold medal. 

They beat Vietnam, 25-19, 25-17, 26-24, in the finals. 

/bmjo

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