Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand, September 5, 2023 – Philippines brushed off Uzbekistan in comfortable straight sets for their first win, but on their last day in the 22nd Asian Senior Women’s Volleyball Championship at Chartchai Hall to complete their campaign in this topflight championship in 13th place on Tuesday.
Contesting their 13th-14th playoff match among the two winless teams, Philippines lived up to their expectation to beat the fighting opponents in thrilling three-setter 25-20, 25-17, 25-23.
However , the 13th position the Philippines had claimed on Tuesday was a far cry from what they had achieved in their last edition dated back to 2017 on home soil when they finished 8th place. Uzbekistan secured their 14th place in Nakhon Ratchasima, also a disappointing outing from the 12th-place finish they had obtained in their last campaign in 2009 in Vietnam.
The first set was clearly dominated by Philippines, with outside hitters Michaela Belen and Myrtle Escanlar firing some good attacks. Uzbekistan responded well with good shots and blocks, but found the opponents a cut above them. Philippines took the opening set 25-20.
Philippines continued their good show in the second set, with Escanlar emerging as the team’s mainstay to net crucial points. After taking a commanding 24-16 lead, Philippines allowed Uzbekistan only one more point from Abegail Pono’s erratic serve to grab the comfortable set 25-17.
Conceding two straight sets, Uzbekistan fought hard gallantly to stay in front 11-8 in the third set, but their good performance did not last long as the Philippines hit back to catch them at 18-18 and went on to win the hard-fought set 25-23, match and the 13th place. Uzbekistan returned with the 14th position.
Outside hitter Michaela Belen chipped in with 17 points from 14 attacks, one block and 2 aces for Philippines, while another two outside hitters Myrtle Escanlar and Arah Panique added another 13 and 10 points respectively. Outside hitter Sativoldieva Ezozakhon led Uzbekistan with 17 points including 14 attacks from 49 attempts.
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