In a display of incredible resilience and determination, the Philippine Women's National Volleyball Team staged a remarkable comeback to defeat India in a heart-stopping five-set match.
The game, held at the Tri Dharma Petrokimia Gresik Gymnasium in East Java, Indonesia, ended with a scoreline of 25-22, 26-28, 11-25, 29-27, 18-16, in favor of the Philippine team.
Led by their formidable middle blocker, Aswani Kandoth, India fought fiercely, pushing the match to a nail-biting 16-all tie in the extended fifth set. However, the Philippine team refused to succumb to the pressure. With nerves of steel, Foton's Shaya Adorador delivered a crucial crosscourt point, followed by Petro Gazz setter Djanel Cheng's powerful service ace, effectively sealing the victory for the Philippines.
The opening set witnessed the Philippine team's dominance, bolstered by the exceptional performances of their wing hitters. They quickly established a commanding 20-14 lead. Despite India's valiant efforts to close the gap, the Filipinos held their ground, clinching the set with a score of 25-22.
Akari'sFaith Nisperos, with her sharp crosscourt kill, and Petro Gazz's Aiza Maizo-Pontillas, employing her veteran smarts with a well-executed soft touch from the backrow, contributed significantly to the early lead.
In the second set, Pontillas continued to demonstrate her prowess on the court. However, India staged an impressive comeback, leveling the score at 28-26 with an attack error from Akari's Ezra Madrigal and a powerful hit from Jincy Johnson off a misset ball from Cheng. The intense battle between the two teams heightened the excitement for spectators.
India seized the momentum in the third set, displaying dominance with a commanding 16-8 lead. Their strong performance culminated in a resounding 25-11 victory, bringing them within striking distance of an overall win.
Yet, the Philippine team, known for their fighting spirit, refused to accept defeat. In the fourth set, Adorador rose to the occasion when her team faced a daunting 19-21 deficit. With remarkable tenacity, she scored four consecutive points, including three aces. Akari's Eli Soyud added to the team's resurgence with a solid block on Nirmal, propelling the Filipinos to a set point at 24-21.
India, however, exhibited remarkable resilience and clawed their way back, forcing a deuce at 24, leading to a gripping exchange of points. Locked at 27, it was Pontillas who sealed the set for the Philippines with a skillful drop shot and a thunderous crosscourt hammer, igniting jubilant celebrations among her teammates.
The tournament's unique format involved regrouping the top two teams from Pools A and C into Pool E, while the top two teams from Pools B and D were placed in Pool F.
Consequently, the outcome of the game between Indonesia and the Philippines, both from Pool A, had a significant impact on the Pool E standings, mirroring the situation for the other participating teams.
With this hard-fought victory, the Philippine Women's National Volleyball Team improved their tournament record to 1-1.
They now set their sights on a semifinal clash against Australia, scheduled for Friday at 5:30 p.m. (Manila time).
