Alas Pilipinas girls dominated Hong Kong, 25-20, 25-19, 25-10, to advance to the Battle for 5th in the 2nd AVC Asian Women’s U16 Volleyball Championship on Friday at Prince Hamzah Sports Hall here.
The youngest Philippine national volleyball team, composed of junior high school players from different provinces, has a chance to end its first international campaign as Asia’s fifth place among the 14 nations.
After their five-set meltdown to Thailand in their last final eight assignment on Thursday, team captain Xyz Rayco sustained her fine form and delivered 23 points built on 19 kills, two aces, and two blocks for Alas Pilipinas.
‘We made up for the mistakes we had yesterday. We didn’t want to lose that easily again,’ Rayco said in Filipino. ‘In the first set, we were still trying to read their movements. But by the second, we started to pick up the pace, and in the third, we gave it everything we had because we didn’t want a repeat of what happened against Thailand.’
Middle blocker Madele Gale continued to step up with 11 points off seven kills, three blocks, and an ace. Jhenica Sadia chipped in six, as setter Resty Jane Olaguir continued to impress in he continental meet with her brilliant plays while scoring six points.
Nadeth Herbon chipped in five points, as Megan Hernandez scored four, highlighted by the last three points in the third to win the game.
Alas Pilipinas goes for a fifth-place finish against Thailand on Saturday at 5:30 p.m. (Philippine time).
Thailand fought back from a 1-2 match deficit to stun the Philippines in their Final Eight round duel before dominating Uzbekistan, 25-9, 25-14, 25-14, to set a rematch.
‘We’re going all out from here on because we’re fighting for a spot in the top five. Reaching the top five would already be a big achievement for us, so we’ll give it our all,’ said Rayco.
Hong Kong has a chance for seventh place against Uzbekistan also on Saturday.
Wing Tung Lee was the lone bright spot with 14 points from 13 attacks and an ace.