THE Philippines captured a berth in the quarterfinals as they vanquished the taller Kazakhstan in a thrilling 25-19, 25-11, 27-25 victory in the 2015 Asian Under-23 Women’s Volleyball Championship yesterday at the Philsports Arena.
After putting up a gallant stand before losing against powerhouse Iran, the hosts leaned on each other and the incredible adulation of the hometown crowd to get their first win over Kazakhstan in tournament history. Reigning UAAP Alyssa
Valdez played a solid all-around game with 19 points while Jaja Santiago pitched in 12 for the Philippines who will face off against either Japan or Chinese Taipei in the next round.
Cebuana spiker Gretchel Soltones, the pride of Catmon, added nine, while Myla Pablo chipped in eight.
Still, the win was a hard-earned one for the Filipinas who got off to a fast start to win the first two sets before encountering rough waters in the third. Needing just a point to settle the game, 24-18, the Kazakhs suddenly came alive and even took the lead, 26-25. But the Filipinas held steady and scored three straight points, the last coming from Santiago to seal the victory.
Yana Yagodina paced Kazakhstan with 18 points.