The Philippines bowed down to Thailand in straight sets, 25-16, 25-22, 34-32, on Thursday, relegating the host country to a bronze hunt in the women’s volleyball tournament of the 30th Southeast Asian Games (SEAG) at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.
But the national team, as promised, gave the Thais, 13-time SEAG champions, a showdown to remember, even forcing a seven-point deuce in third and final set.
After a seemingly relentless back-and-forth exchange, Thailand’s Kokram Pimpichaya delivered crucial kills to end the match, 34-32.
“I am happy at least I am true to my word that we would give them a good fight,” said team captain Aby Maraño in the post-game interview. “When we were training yesterday and before this game,we were already already thinking of giving Thailand a good fight so that it wouldn’t be a beatdown.”
“We felt that we really tried to enjoy the game,” added Creamlines’ Finals Most Valuable Player Jia Morado. “It is already an achievement for us to push Thailand in a tough fight.”
The Philippines (0-2) needs to win its last two games with the first against Indonesia (0-2) on Monday to at least secure a bronze.
Image credits: Bernard Testa