PH misses out on v'ball podium after sorry loss to Vietnam

KUALA LUMPUR – (UPDATED) The Philippine women's volleyball team submitted another gallant effort, but it was not enough to take down a taller, stronger Vietnamese squad in the bronze medal match of the 2017 Southeast Asian Games.

The Filipinas failed to sustain the momentum from their hot start, instead bowing to Vietnam 27-25, 22-25, 20-25, 21-25, to finish outside the podium on Sunday morning at MiTEC's Hall 11 here.

FILE PHOTO – Jaja Santiago of the Philippines attacks the defense of Vietnam during their women’s volleyball match in the 29th Southeast Asian Games. The Vietnamese prevailed, 26-24, 25-12, 25-23. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO/SEA GAMES POOL

It was a sorry setback for the Filipina volleybelles, who were hoping to secure the Philippines' first medal in volleyball since the 2005 edition of the event, when the nation hosted the biennial meet.

Instead, they could not handle the powerful attacks of Vietnam's ace spiker, Tran Thi Thanh Thuy, who scored 26 points on 22 attacks, three blocks, and a service ace. Also proving to be a thorn on the Philippines' side was Vietnam skipper Nguyen Thi Ngoc Hoa, who contributed 20 points.

"It's an improvement," said coach Francis Vicente. "On my side, I'm happy kasi semis 'yan. Semis is semis."

Author: Camille B. Naredo, ABS-CBN News
Full Article: http://news.abs-cbn.com/sports/08/27/17/ph-misses-out-on-vball-podium-after-sorry-loss-to-vietnam