The Philippines victoriously finished the bout against Iran, 25-15, 25-21, 26-24, in the inaugural Asian U23 Women’s Volleyball Championship Saturday at PhilSports arena, giving the spirited crowd behind them a satisfying play.
With the perfect dig by Jia Morado, Jaja Santiago was able to push a powerful hit into the middle bringing the host nation into victory.
Roger Gorayeb, the Philippine head coach, said getting the seventh spot in the tournament “is a big bonus”.
“Entering the top 8 is mission accomplished,” Gorayeb said after the three sets to zero win against Iran.
Though Iran women took an early advantage, the Filipinas were able to ditch all efforts and wit to take things around.
“The other team will never surrender, everybody wants to win,” Gorayeb said. “There were instances in the third set we led big then Iran took the lead.”
“If Iran got the third set, everything (would have) changed.”
Iran settled for eighth place in the tournament after losing to the host nation.
Iran assistant coach Hashe Maryam Alsadat said her team was tired after their late five-setter against India on Friday evening.
“Mentally they’re tired and they aren’t ready for today, I think our players are really tired today.”
Nonetheless, Alsadat admitted that the Philippines “(was) very good” especially Valdez and Santiago.
Team Captain Alyssa Valdez who contributed 21 points in the play said that playing with the team is “inspiring”.
“Everyone’s smiling, we really have a very light atmosphere in the court,” Valdez said.
H/T: Inquirer.net