Indonesia sweeps PH in SEA Games 2015 women’s volley opener

Philippines’ Alyssa Valdez (left) and Jia Morado during their game against Indonesia. MARC ANTHONY REYES/INQUIRER

SINGAPORE — The much-heralded Filipino women’s team ran against a well-oiled Indonesian side to yield a 25-22, 25-20, 25-14, Tuesday at the start of volleyball competitions in the Southeast Asian Games at the packed OCBC Arena Hall 2 here.

Despite the cheers of the gallery, made up mostly of Filipinos working here, the Filipinas could not get their act together as they collected 20 errors mostly in the opening sets where they displayed signs of jitters.

It was also apparent they haven’t been playing together long enough to move like one cohesive unit as they are made up of superstars from different teams from local leagues back home like the Philippine Superliga and the Shakeys VLeague.

Team’s biggest star Alyssa Valdez scored 15 points as she assumed the focal point of PH offense. Jaja Santiago had seven points, while Rachel Anne Daquis chipped in four. Aby Marano, subbing for Santiago, scored three points.

Overall the Philippines easily crumbled as soon as the Indonesians got their groove and closed the first set at a tight 25-22.

Aprilia Manganang, who was being protested by the Philippines over her suspected gender issues, topscored with 13 points, mostly from missiles launched from high up. Team captain Amalia Nabila added 10 markers for Indonesia.

Lack of foreign exposure and short preparation were the only reasons Ph coach Roger Gorayeb could come up with.

“Every thing adds up,” said Gorayeb whose charges will face Malaysia Thursday. CFC