THE PHILIPPINES put up one heck of a fight but ultimately fell short of powerhouse Iran, falling in four sets, 22-25, 22-25, 25-19, 20-25, at the start of the Asian Under-23 Women’s Volleyball Championships yesterday at the packed Philsports Arena.
Though clearly overmatched in terms of height and ceiling, the hosts tried their best to give the Iranians a rude welcome, eventually winning a set over their vaunted opponents for the first time in two decades.
Unfortunately, the Philippines needed two more but was unable to deliver in spite of the gallant efforts of UAAP MVP, Alyssa Valdez, who pumped in a whopping 31 points despite playing with an injured right arm. She also had 25 successful spike attacks and six service aces.
The Philippines next play Kazakhstan today hoping for a win that will give them a spot in the next round.