Kazakstan’s Raymariely Santos Perez dives for the ball.
BIÑAN, Laguna-Kazakhstan extended the Philippines’ sorry fate in the classification stages of the Asian Volleyball Confederation Asian Women’s Volleyball Championship turning back the host, 27-25, 25-18, 25-21, Wednesday at Alonte Sports Arena.
Foton Pilipinas dropped to a woeful 0-4 in Pool E but still remain in the running in the quarterfinals against the top seed while Altay VC improved to 3-1.
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Altay VC head coach Burhan Saik Canbolat was a humble victor after the match and said the Philippines had its best performance so far in the tournament.
“Today my team did a little better, but the Philippine team is a very good team, and this game is the best game they played,” said Canbolat.
Foton Pilipinas gave Altay VC all it could handle in the first set with import Lindsay Stalzer returning to action after missing the past three games due to injury.
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Kazakhstan, however, made the adjustments and used its massive height advantage to good use.
Altay VC has an average height of 184 cm. while Foton is listed at 174 cm.
Sana Anarkulova led the Kazakhs with 16 points while Inna Matveyeva and Vanya Varbanova added 11 and 10 points, respectively.
Stalzer led Foton Pilipinas with 11 points in her return while Jaja Santiago and Ariel Usher had 10 points apiece.