The Filipino pair of Jayrack de la Noche and Alexander Iraya absorbed a 12-21, 14-21 loss to Thailand 2’s Netitorn Muneekul and Wachirawit Muadpha in the Fourth Asian U21 Beach Volleyball Championships opener that was staged in Nakhon Pathom, Thailand, on Tuesday, July 13.
Seeded No. 7 in the tournament, the Filipinos kept the match close early in the second set only to lose steam against the sharper Thais, who clinched a spot in the quarterfinals via a 2-0 (won-lost) sweep of Pool B.
Though seeded lower than the Philippines, Thailand 2 rode on a hot momentum after defeating No. 2 seed Ruben Gale and Connor O’Neill of Australia, 21-19, 21-14, in their opening match on Monday, July 12.
De la Noche and Iraya still have a chance of making it to the quarterfinals if they also secure a win over the Australians on Wednesday, July 14, 9 am Philippine time.
“This is our last chance. I hope we win through your prayers,” Iraya said.
The tournament serves as a qualifier for the FIVB U21 Beach Volleyball Championships in Roi Et, Thailand that is set from September 24 to 29.
De la Noche and Iraya, standouts from the University of Santo Tomas high school program, made their international debut in the Third Asian U19 Beach Volleyball Championships last week. – Rappler.com
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