Coach Vicente bats for more international exposure for PH team

KUALA LUMPUR — To catch up with Southeast Asian powerhouse Thailand in women's volleyball, the Philippines will have to keep sending the national team to more international tournaments.

This, according to Philippine team coach Francis Vicente, after his team bowed to Thailand, 21-25, 17-25, 17-25, in their semifinal match in the Southeast Asian Games on Saturday morning at MiTEC Hall 11 here.

If they play more games overseas against stiffer competition, Alyssa Valdez and Team Philippines could get more comfortable battling Southeast Asia's giants, coach Francis Vicente says. PSC/POC pool

"I'm satisfied because they are performing at their highest level na," Vicente said of the Filipina players, who kept in step with Thailand for the first two sets before fading.

In order to break through Thailand and earn the Philippines' first SEA Games women's volleyball gold since 1993, however, the Filipinas need to play at an even higher level — one they can only reach through exposure and experience.

"This team needs experience, more experience. Sali ng sali dapat 'yan sa international tournament," said Vicente.

Author: Camille B. Naredo, ABS-CBN News
Full Article: http://news.abs-cbn.com/sports/08/26/17/volleyball-coach-vicente-bats-for-more-international-exposure-for-ph-team