Philippines bows to South Korea, drops to 9th place match

Photo from AVC Facebook

NAKHON Ratchasima, Thailand — The Philippines fought toe to toe against world class South Korea until lack of familiarity and exposure eventually showed, yielding a 25-13, 24-26, 25-7, 25-21 decision Friday in the Asian Volleyball Confederation Cup here.

Though missing its superstar Kim Yeon Kuong, Korea still packed a solid lineup bolstered by its intention to salvage fifth place after getting booted out of the semifinals by Chinese Taipei.

But the Filipinas, with almost half of their Asian Games lineup changed, put up a bg fight, keeping the second set very close before snatching it all the way via rousing hits by Alyssa Valdez, Cha Cruz and Aiza Pontillas.

Stung by the set loss, the Koreans unleashed their wrath in the third set, slamming the Philippine end of the court with a conplex offensive rotation anchored on Yerim Go.

Refusing to give up the Philippines tried to breath down Korea’s next in the fourth, closing in to 18-19 on Aby Marano’s service ace.

But the Koreans would have none of it and delivered the killer blows to score the victory.

Now the Philippines will fight for 9th place against a still undetermined opponent on Saturday to close out its campaign.