INQUIRER PHOTO/Sherwin Vardeleon
Hisamitsu Springs Kobe stayed alive for a chance at a respectable finish in the FIVB Women’s Club World Championship after a swift 25-15, 25-18, 25-21 triumph over hosts PSL-F2 Logistics Manila Saturday at Mall of Asia Arena.
The 2014 Asian club champions have a chance to claim the fifth spot in the tournament if they can beat South American champions Rexona-Sesc Rio on Sunday.
PSL-F2 Logistics had its back against the wall when Hisamitsu Springs took a 24-18 lead but Lynda Morales’ block and Yevgeniya Nyukhalova’s ace extended the hosts’ life in the third set.
Nyukhalova, after serving three straight, however sent her fourth out of bounds giving Hisamitsu Springs the victory.
Despite the lost service that cost PSL-F2 Logistics the match, Hisamitsu Springs head coach Kumi Nakada praised the hosts of how they started every sequence in the match.
“Philippine players are very good in serving,” said Nakada through a translator. “They serve very good.”
A three-pronged attack proved vital for Hisamitsu Springs with Yuki Ishii leading their offensive with 16 points while Risa Shinnabe and captain Miyu Nagaoka had 14 and 10 points, respectively.
Lindsay Stalzer led PSL-F2 Logistics with 15 points while Stephanie Niemer and Nyukhalova combined for 13.