PH women’s volleyball falls to revenge-seeking Vietnam in 2017 SEA Games

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine women’s volleyball team suffered its first loss of the 29th Southeast Asian Games group stage after succumbing to revenge-seeking Vietnam, 24-26, 12-25, 23-25 on Friday, August 25 at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Center in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. 

The nationals were down for most of the first set, but orchestrated a rally in crunch time to equalize at 24 apiece. The Vietnamese, however, successfully held off the Philippines’ comeback as they fired off an ace to steal the first, 26-24. 

Vietnam, the reigning silver medalists, continued to deliver on both ends of the floor come the second set as they contained the Filipina spikers’ offensive firepower. They cruised to a comfortable 22-11 cushion en route to a two sets to none lead. 

Despite the loss, the Philippines is still through to the semifinals after host country Malaysia dropped both of its elimination games in the group stages.

With the win, Vietnam avenged its 27-25, 26-24, 17-25, 25-23 defeat against the Philippines in the latter’s hosting of the Asian Senior Women’s Volleyball Championship, which wrapped up just a week ago.

PH will next play the Group A top seed Thailand in the semifinals on Saturday, August 26 at 10 am. – Rappler.com