PH tossers yield to Indonesian side, cop 3rd

THE PHILIPPINE volleyball team absorbed its second loss in three outings, bowing to Indonesia, 20-25, 19-25, 22-25, to finish third in the Asian Southeastern Zone Women’s Volleyball qualifier late Sunday at Quang Tri, Vietnam.

Young guns Alyssa Valdez and towering sisters Dindin and Jaja Santiago fueled a strong start that gave the Filipinos leads of 8-2 and 16-11, only to lose their fire when the Indonesians staged a blistering comeback.

Vietnam, which also dealt the Philippines a straight-set loss, 9-25, 11-25, 18-25, earned the right to represent the region after topping the tournament at 3-0.

Dindin Santiago tossed in 14 points to pace the nationals against Indonesia, while the 6-foot-4 Jaja Santiago had 11.

Valdez and veteran Maika Ortiz added 10 points each in the Philippine volleyball team’s first international foray in a long time.

Team manager Tony Boy Liao said he hopes to keep the team, which is composed of standouts from the Shakey’s V-League, intact for future tournaments.

“We just returned to international women’s volley play, so it would be a pity if we don’t continue with the program,” said Liao, adding he will coordinate with V-League organizer Sports Vision.

The Philippines’ lone victory came against Burma (Myanmar) where it rose from a set down to carve out a 20-25, 25-14, 25-10, 25-17 decision.

Other members of the team, coached by Roger Gorayeb, were Shakey’s V-League 10th season Finals Most Valuable Player Rubie de Leon, Myla Pablo, Jennylyn Reyes, Maika Ortiz, Rhea Dimaculangan, Pau Soriano, Iari Yong and Suzanne Roces.

Gorayeb was assisted by Edjet Mabbayad and Ariel dela Cruz. Jasmine W. Payo