Photo from AVC
In a fierce showdown at the Tridharma Petrokimia Gresik in East Java, Indonesia, the Philippine women's national volleyball team found themselves battling for seventh place after a disheartening 20-25, 13-25, 16-25 loss to Iran in the classification phase of the 2023 AVC Challenge Cup.
The contest began with both teams engaged in a spirited exchange, matching each other point for point in the opening half. However, the Iranians swiftly gained momentum with a blistering 9-3 rally, shattering the 14-all deadlock and building a commanding 23-17 lead.
Despite the setback, Faith Nisperos and AC Miner tirelessly fought to keep the Philippine team afloat, scoring consecutive points. Unfortunately, Iran capitalized on their opportunity, securing the set point in the following play, and a service error by Eli Soyud further bolstered the Iranian advantage, securing the first set, 1-0.
The second set witnessed Iran's dominance from the outset, surging ahead with an imposing 11-point lead. The Filipinas struggled to counter the onslaught, mustering only seven attacks throughout the set.
Iran's unyielding performance propelled them to the brink of victory, leaving the Philippine team facing a potential elimination and the Iranians one set away from securing a spot in the fifth-place match.
Undeterred by their previous setbacks, the Filipinas showcased resilience once again in the third set, managing to keep pace with their Iranian opponents. However, in a late surge, Iran unleashed a potent rally that proved insurmountable for the Filipinas.
The Iranians secured a decisive 25-16 triumph, completing a clean sweep of the match and leaving the Philippine team with an arduous path to redemption.
Having suffered a four-set defeat against Australia in their previous match, with scores of 18-25, 22-25, 25-21, 20-25, the Filipinas now found themselves battling for seventh place.
The loss dashed their hopes of contending for a higher position but only served to intensify their determination to conclude the tournament on a positive note.
