With a spirited crowd behind them, the Philippines routed the Islamic Republic of Iran, 25-15, 25-21, 26-24, to finish in seventh place in the inaugural Asian U23 Women’s Volleyball Championship Saturday noon at Philsports Arena.
Jia Morado found Jaja Santiago for the powerful middle hit that netted the host nation’s victory.
Philippine head coach Roger Gorayeb said getting the seventh spot in the tournament “is a big bonus” because entering the top 8 is already a huge accomplishment for them.
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“Entering the top 8 is mission accomplished,” Gorayeb said after pulling off the sweep in their rematch against Iran.
Iran defeated the Philippines in their first game, three sets to one.
“For us it’s just a dream right now. For now, the top 8 is a big achievement.”
The towering Santiago also gave the Philippines the match point after Iran took advantage earlier with Samaneh Siavoshi scoring off a service ace to give Iran the 24-22 lead.
Gorayeb heaved a sigh of relief as Iran put on a last-ditch effort to take things around.
“The other team will never surrender, everybody wants to win,” Gorayeb said. “There were instances in the third set we led big then Iran took the lead.”
“If Iran got the third set, everything (would have) changed.”
The Philippines were firmly in control trough the first two sets and had a 12-5 lead to start the third.
Iran then mounted an 8-3 surge that cut the Philippine lead to get to set point first.
As Siavoshi scored an ace, her following serve gave the Philippines the glimmer of hope as it went straight to the net.
Morado and running mate Alyssa Valdez then tied it at 24-24 that preceded Santiago’s attacks.
Iran settled for eighth place in the tournament.
Iran assistant coach Hashe Maryam Alsadat said her team was tired after their late five-setter against India on Friday evening.
“Mentally they’re tired and they aren’t ready for today, I think our players are really tired today.”
Gorayeb agreed with Hashe Maryam as the Philippines fell short against Chinese Taipei on Friday.
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Nonetheless, Alsadat admitted that the Philippines “(was) very good” especially Valdez and Santiago.
Valdez said that playing with her teammates, despite the everyday grind of the tournament, is “inspiring.”
“Everyone’s smiling, we really have a very light atmosphere in the court,” Valdez said.
Valdez and Santiago led the Philippines with 21 and 17 points apiece.
Neda Chamlanian led Iran with 10 points. IDL