Alas Pilipinas were stretched to the distance in a highly entertaining encounter against South Korea’s Powerful Daegu.
So close in South Korea for Alas Pilipinas.
The Philippine women's national volleyball team absorbed a 26-24, 23-25, 23-25, 25-16, 15-8 loss against Powerful Daegu of South Korea in the ’Serve-Spike Unite!’ exhibition match in Daegu City on Friday, June 7.
The 2024 AVC Women’s Challenge Cup bronze medalists had to work hard for their points, nearly completing a comeback after trailing two sets to one, before falling short in a match that celebrated the 75th year of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and South Korea.
Alas bounced back in the fourth set after a dismal third, holding off Powerful Daegu behind Dell Palomata, Angel Cainon, and Arah Panique to force a fifth set.
However, Powerful Daegu raced to 3-0 lead in the final frame and never looked back, keeping the Filipinas at bay for a five-set win.
Top hitter Sisi Rondina did not play in the game with key players like Eya Laure and Dawn Macandili Catindig playing limited minutes.
The start saw a tight opening set between the Filipinas and the South Koreans, but Alas Pilipinas held a 23-21 lead.
However, one costly error and two straight aces moved the game 23-24 in favor of Powerful Daegu.
That's when the 2024 AVC Challenge Cup for Women Best Opposite Angel Canino and Faith Nisperos, who scored seven points in the first set, rescued the Nationals with two late hits to take the opening set.
Alas then came blazing out in the second set, racing to an early 5-0 lead and held a 14-5 advantage.
But Powerful Daegu regrouped with their own 14-5 run to tie things up at 19-all and en route to claiming the second set.
The Philippine Women’s National Volleyball team started flat in the third set, trailing by as much as nine points at 14-6, but managed to rally late and tie the game at 22-apiece off a Dell Palomata block before faltering late against Powerful Daegu.
Alas’ exhibition match is part of their preparation for the FIVB Volleyball Women's Challenger Cup happening next month at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.