Amigas still winless in SEA Handball

UBON RATCHATHANI, Thailand—The Philippines lost top scorer Michelle Bruzola early in the game but still went down fighting to Thailand, 45-18, Saturday in the Southeast Asian Handball Championships here.

The crafty left wing, a former Southeast Asian Games champion in fencing, accidentally stepped on a defender’s foot and laid sprawled on the floor grimacing in pain midway through the first half.

“It was so painful, but if the team needs me I will still play,” said the pretty Bruzola who has scored eight goals for the Amigas in past three matches, including two on Saturday before going out.

Her absence left a big void in the Amigas’ right flank which became very evident as Thailand only had to focus its defense on pivot Fatima Tolentino. The Thais, who bested the Filipinos in the first round (34-19), also wreaked havoc with their fast-paced transition offense.

Tolentino and left back Aurora Adriano scored seven goals each, while Kat Quimpo and Diane Jose chipped in one each. Adriano scored three of her output on penalty throws.

The Thais, who lost to Vietnam last Friday (35-27), were led by skinny shooter Daiphorn Yanalt who unloaded 15 goals.

Still groping for key handball skills, the Amigas committed costly dribbling errors that stymied their several fast break attempts.

PH head coach Joanna Franquelli was frustrated by the Amigas’ third loss, but commended them for not hesitating to engage in rugged plays.
The Amigas play Vietnam Sunday to wrap up their maiden international stint.