Semis stint already an achievement for PH volleybelles, coach says

KUALA LUMPUR — Francis Vicente, head coach of the Philippine women's volleyball team, is not ruling out a potential upset when his squad takes on powerhouse Thailand in the semifinals of the Southeast Asian Games at MiTEC Hall 11 here.

A sorry three-set loss to Vietnam on Friday consigned the Philippines to a semifinal showdown with Thailand, the No. 16-ranked team in the world that is also seeking a 13th SEA Games gold medal in women's volleyball.

So there's a chance? Francis Vicente, head coach of the Philippine women's volleyball team, isn't discounting the possibility that his team could shock powerhouse Thailand in their semis game on Saturday. PSC-POC pool

"Tingnan natin," said Vicente after his team's 24-26, 12-25, 23-25 setback. "Bilog ang bola eh. Malay natin."

Yet Vicente also made it a point to say that reaching the semifinals is already a feat for the Philippines, considering his team's abbreviated preparation heading into the biennial competition.

" 'Yung pumasok lang sa Final 4, may na-achieve ka na naman eh," said Vicente, whose team swept host Malaysia in its first game to punch a semis ticket.

Author: Camille B. Naredo, ABS-CBN News
Full Article: http://news.abs-cbn.com/sports/08/25/17/sea-games-semis-stint-already-an-achievement-for-ph-volleybelles-coach-says