INQUIRER PHOTO/Sherwin Vardeleon
PSL-F2 Logistics took another loss yesterday, this time a 25-15, 25-18 25-21 defeat to a speedy, high efficient Hisamitsu Springs Kobe in the FIVB Women’s Club Championship at Mall of Asia Arena.
The loss dropped the host club to the battle for 7th and 8th places against winless Bangkok Glass at 4 p.m. today.
Bannered by Yuki Ishii and Risa Sinnabe, Hisamitsu banged in a total of 45 attacks and defended well enough to limit PSL-F2’s kill count to 30.
“Hisamitsu is a very organised team in my opinion,” said PSL-F2 Logistics coach Moro Branislav.
“But for me the important game is tomorrow. I believe in my team. We have a chance (against Bangkok Glass),” he added.
Earlier, defending champion Eczasibasi VitrA Istanbul returned to the championship stage after defeating 2013 titlist Vakifbank Istanbul, 25-23, 19-25, 25-17, 25-23, in the first semifinal match.
Eczasibasi has won all its four matches so far and will face the winner between Volero Zurich-Pomi Casalmaggiore for the title.
Boskovic led Eczasibasi with 22 points with Kosheleva and Pallesi contributing 13 and 12, respectively.
Eczacibasi VitrA Istanbul coach Massimo Barbolini had earlier praised the locals of PSL-F2 Logistics Manila after their game Friday night, where the powerhouse Turkish club won in four sets, 25-17, 25-17, 23-25, 25-14.
“There is a big difference from the physical point of view, but from technical point of you, I think they played good,” he said.
Branislav also praised his local wards.
“It’s an interesting promotion for Philippine players. And they played great contra one big club in one big tournament,” he said.
The 54-year-old Branislav added: “I guarantee you after this tournament, Asean no problem for Philippines. Maybe it will face Vietnam, no problem for Philippines psychologically.”