AVC: Philippines drops to 8th place after close loss to Kazakhs

Photo from asianvolleyball.net

BIÑAN, Laguna—Kazakhstan finished as the seventh seed in the AVC Asian Senior Women’s Volleyball Championship after it stopped host Philippines, 25-20, 25-16, 21-25, 21-25, 15-3, Thursday at Alonte Sports Arena here.

The Kazakhs, ranked no. 21 in the world, had already beaten the Philippines once in the tournament when the two met in the group stages of the tournament.

The Filipinos finished the tournament at eight place after three straight losses but they are still ensured of a spot in the 2018 AVC Asian Women’s Volleyball Cup.

The Philippines, after spirited efforts in the third and fourth set, floundered in the final set scoring just two attack points.

Adding salt to the wound, Alyssa Valdez’ final attempt hit net to award the Kazakhs’ the seventh place in the tournament.

Despite the loss, Philippine head coach Francis Vicente looked at the brighter side of things and said their performance proved they can roll with the other higher-ranked countries.

“It’s unfortunate but at least we extended the game to five sets, and we proved that we can give these other countries a fight,” said Vicente in Filipino. “We just have to work harder in training and push ourselves more so we can be a better team.”

“Another important thing for us is that we have the exposure in the international arena.”

Yekaterina Zhdanova punished the Philippines with 24 points while Katerina Tatko added 15 for the Kazakhs’ cause.

Kazakhtan captain Radmila Beresneva and Alla Bogdashkina put up 14 points apiece.

Jaja Santiago spearheaded the Philippines with 18 points while Valdez and Jovelyn Gonzaga combined for 21.