After 2 closes loses, Philippines bags first win in AVC Asian Cup

Team Philippines flashes that winning smile after four-set triumph over KAZ. Photo by Marc Reyes

NAKHON Ratchasima, Thailand —The Philippines broke into the winning column, something it almost did the two previous games, by beating Kazakhstan, 25-22, 25-23, 20-25, 25-17, Tuesday night in the Asian Volleyball Confederation Asian Cup here.

The win put a flicker of hope for the Filipinas who can make the quarterfinals with a 1-2 record depending on the results of the games set late Tuesday.

But more than anything, it was sweet win for the Philippines who blew away matches against Australia and Iran which saw them leading.

“Yes, we got one,” said PH coach Shaq delos Santos. “I gave the players some choice words.”

Delos Santos admitted that he dissed his usual cool demeanor during huddle after noticing the players “relax after taking the lead.”