Filipinos drop to battle for 7th

It’s a learning experience, says Philippines top scorer Alyssa Valdez of the team’s stint in the tournament.

BIÑAN, LAGUNA—Chinese Taipei earned a shot at fifth place in the AVC Asian Senior Women’s Volleyball Championship after taking down host Philippines, 25-20, 25-19, 25-19, in the classification stage Wednesday at Alonte Sports Arena here.

The 55th-ranked team in the world is set to face Vietnam for the battle for the fifth spot while the Philippines will once again match up against Kazakhstan for a crack at seventh.

The Philippines had the early momentum in the third set, putting up a 10-4 lead, but Chinese Taipei scored seven straight to take an 11-10 lead.

Alyssa Valdez, who had 13 points to lead the Philippines, was disappointed at squandering their edge but said they have to move on and end the tournament on a positive note.

“We definitely wanted to win, but we just couldn’t hold on,” said Valdez in Filipino. “But, again, this is a learning experience because there was the regret because it would’ve been a huge difference if we were able to get at least one set. But we’re here and we just have to accept the loss and move forward.”