Pasig City, Philippines, August 24, 2022 – Spectators at the PhilSports Arena celebrated with home team Philippines on Wednesday evening, as they defeated Iran 3-1 (25-19, 25-22, 20-25, 25-14) in Pool A of the preliminary round of the 2022 AVC Cup for Women.
Jessica Margarett Galanza (21 points), Diana Mae Carlos (14 points) and Michele Theresa Gumabao (13 points) contributed double-digit scores to power the host team’s first victory.
The Philippines showed a well-distributed offense, with captain and setter Julia Melissa Morado enabling the wing and backline attack. Galanza and Carlos took charge from the flanks but also did well in covering the backcourt. The Philippines likewise enabled their middle attack, where subtle tip-ins and swipes from Jeanette Panaga or Celine Domingo sufficed to score the points.
Iran clearly had the height in their line-up, which could prove to be their advantage in offense and defense. They had Mahsa Kadkhoda and Elahe Poor Saleh Shahdehsri right by the flanks, and equally tall blockers Pouran Zare and Tahminch Dargazani right by the middle.
The Iran team posted better formation and timing of their blocks, knowing this could power their stake in the match. They enforced their tall presence at the net and converted on deflections.
The hosts later devised a way to vary their angles or the speed of their attacks as a workaround for their smaller line-up. Gumabao carried the team to connect in crucial moments.
Iran needed to find a quick solution, and imposed better service to pose challenges to the opponents’ passing rhythm. Moreover, they played better in transition, making the right decisions at the right moments. They started to pick up their rhythm, to leave the hosts dealing with their own share of unforced errors to force another set.
The home team later showed that they could utilize the block to their advantage. They were able to capture the pacing of their opponents, and successfully ward off several attacks. They were able to chart a total of 11 blocks in the match.
The Philippines stuck to their usual hitters, finding that their opponents seemed to lag behind in defense. They took grip of their momentum, all the way to complete the fourth set with victory in their favor.
“Everyone really stepped up and did their respective roles. It was not an easy match. We had to fight for every point, and we have to give it to Iran. But at the end of it all, we are just grateful that we won at home today,” said Morado as she pondered upon the Philippines’ first win.
On Thursday, August 25, hosts Philippines meet Korea in the main event scheduled at 19:00 while Iran will face five-time champions China in the earlier match at 16:00. All times local.
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