Gresik, East Java, Indonesia, June 21, 2023 – The Philippines broke through with a tie-break triumph, 3-2 (25-22, 26-28, 11-25, 29-27, 18-16) against India in Pool E of the 2023 AVC Challenge Cup for Women on Wednesday evening at the Tri Dharma Petrokimia Gresik Gymnasium.
Captain Aiza Maizo-Pontillas led in the victory with 27 points, helping close out the final plays with her share of crucial points. Shaya Adorador contributed with another 23 points, including three service winners that helped force the decider.
The Philippine team showed how they could control the tempo in the first set, keeping their offense straightforward, yet effective. They enabled Faith Nisperos to operate from the flanks.
India later improved in playing transition. Setter Kovat Shaji Jini provided excellent orchestration in isolating the sets to bring away the blockers. With effective passing, they could control the middle with quick, unopposed attacks. Captain Nirmal and Kambrath Poyilil Anushree provided the firepower that silenced the opposition, mostly in the third set.
Philippines slowly worked their way into extending the match, enlisting key substitutions including outside hitter Erika Raagas who scored five points that helped spark the team’s hopes for a tie-break.
“I’m happy with the way that we played today, but there are still many things to learn.
“I really appreciate the kind of trust the coaches have in me, in giving me a shot. And I want to continue using that trust to really improve for the sake of the team,” Raagas said.
Philippines head coach Jorge Souza De Brito was equally happy with the outcome, beyond the victory itself.
“The biggest goal I had in mind was to see these players connect and support one another on and off court. And I have seen that in today’s match,” he said.
“The biggest preparation for the players for the next match is to mostly rest and reset,” De Brito added.
The Philippines will play against Australia on Friday at 16:30, while India will face hosts Indonesia in the main event at 19:00 to complete Pool E proceedings.
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