Philippines falls down against seasoned Iran side in Asian U23 volleyball

Experience paid off as the Islamic Republic of Iran dismantled the Philippines, 25-22, 25-22, 19-25, 25-20, to start its campaign in the 2015 Under-23 Asian Women’s Volleyball Championship on a good note Friday evening at the Philsports Arena.

Iran was too much for the “inexperienced” Philippines who had too much to give away.

Neda Chamlanian gave Iran the victory with her attack bouncing off the Philippine defense.

Iran head coach Barghi Abbas said his players had it in their minds that they could win, and they did.

“The players just think that they should win the match,” Abbas said.

It was in the third set that the Philippines found a way to spark its offense.

Unfortunately for the Filipinas the shock third set loss was what the Iranians used to fuel their run.

Iran outscored the Philippines 9-3 in one stretch in the fourth set and took a 19-10 lead when Negin Shirtari Foumani scored an ace.

The Philippines took a brief sigh of relief when Iran made three consecutive errors that cut the deficit to four, 19-15, but it was only a false hope.

Abbas, even as his team dismantled the Philippines, praised his opponents whose 40 errors were too much.

“We were lucky to beat this match,” Abbas said. “If they didn’t touch the net… They could’ve won the match.”

“They played in a high-level.”

Making matters worse for the Philippines is the injury of team captain Alyssa Valdez.

The Philippines’ young talisman injured her right hand when she blocked a shot that was too strong for her.

Philippines head coach Roger Gorayeb said his team lacked the experience as they only got together for three weeks prior to the tournament.

Iran had three months to prepare.

“Three months for them and three weeks for us, that’s where their play comes out.”

Iran team captain Mahsa Saberi led her team with 16 points while Mahsa Kadkhoda added 14.

As a whole, Iran only had 27 errors.

Valdez was once again on a tear with 31 points while Jaja Santiago had 13.