MANILA, Philippines – The Philippines found itself relegated to the battle for seventh place in the AVC Challenge Cup for Women in Indonesia after suffering a sweep loss to Iran on Saturday, June 24.

Fresh from a four-set defeat to Australia on Friday that denied them of a final four berth, the Filipinas were ripped to shreds by the Iranians, 25-20, 25-13, 25-16, in the classification round.

Led by veteran Aiza Maizo-Pontillas, the Philippines showed signs of life in the third set when it erased an 11-13 deficit and momentarily seized a 14-13 edge off three straight points capped by an Iran error.

Iran, though, regained its lead and won four of the next five points for a 17-15 advantage.

A Shaya Adorador hit pulled the Philippines within a whisker, 16-17, but Iran wrapped up the straight-set victory with a scorching 8-0 blast.

It was the same story in the second set, where the Philippines grabbed a 7-6 lead before Iran closed out the frame behind a 19-6 run.

With the win, Iran set up a clash with Australia as they duke it out for fifth place.

The Philippines, on the other hand, will face Uzbekistan for seventh place on Sunday, June 25. – Rappler.com