Alas Pilipinas Women could not contain the Saga Hisamitsu Springs of Japan, losing in straight sets in the first of two encounters at the Alas Pilipinas Invitationals.
Alas Pilipinas Women put up a valiant effort against Japanese club Saga Hisamitsu Springs but ultimately bowed in straight sets, 19-25, 16-25, 16-25, during the Alas Pilipinas Invitationals at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City on Saturday, September 7.
Alas Women, who were without team captain and main setter Jia de Guzman, managed to keep it close against the eight-time Japan SV.League champions but couldn’t keep up with Hisamitsu Springs' fast-paced style of volleyball.
In the third set, the Filipinas were in pace in the early goings, even taking the lead at 8-7 behind the efforts of outside hitter Eya Laure and middle blocker Cherry Nunag.
But after the first technical timeout, the Hisamitsu Springs went on an 8-2 run to build a six-point lead.
From there on out, the Japanese squad took control as Megumi Fukazawa converted on an off-the-block hit to seal the comfortable victory.
Outside hitter Miyu Nakagawa led the way for the Hisamitsu Springs with 15 points on 14 attacks and one block. Fukazawa added 14 markers built on 11 attacks, one block, and two service aces.
Vanie Gandler and Alyssa Solomon were the top scorers for Alas Women with five points apiece. Eya Laured contributed four, while Ara Panique, Faith Nisperos, and Fifi Sharma had three in the loss.