Manila, Philippines, May 24, 2024 – Hosts Philippines took their second win in the 2024 AVC Challenge Cup after a 3-1 match (22-25, 25-21, 25-17, 25-18) against India in Friday evening’s main event at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.
Philippines’ Anne Angel Canino delivered a match-high 22 points which helped snap India’s streak in Pool A.
India imposed pressure from the service line, which challenged their opponents’ passing lanes. When they were not serving aces, they had the leeway to set up their counter-attack effectively.
Captain and setter Jini Kovat Shaji anchored the offense on Anusree Kambrath Poyili and Anagha Radhakrishnan at the flanks.
The hosts tried to deal with the service pressure, with their backcourt having to work doubly hard. When they could deal with the first ball, they activated Thea Gagate at the middle. The Philippines also tried to load the wings with Canino on attack.
India responded well in both lines of defense that made the hosts succumb to a 22-25 loss in the first set.
Philippines slowly settled into their rhythm. Cherry Ann Rondina and Ejiya Laure dutifully guarded the backcourt, but also delivered attacks from the flank. Their opponents quickly adjusted and moved into their block formation. Setter Julia De Guzman needed to craft more ways to open up their offense and called upon Canino to help close the second set at 25-21 to their favor.
The home team improved their performance from the service line, to count as aces. They also disrupted their opponents’ usual rhythm and composure in key transitions. The Philippine side posted commendable coverage at the backcourt that they afforded to run the middle more.
The momentum mounted toward the next set as the Philippines carried on with solid play in all fronts. They served well, and defended effectively that they could play their transitions well against a team observed to make sound and wise decisions in clutch plays. The Philippine side grew comfortable in their pace that they ran combinations which converted well towards victory in four sets.
On Saturday, Philippines will meet Iran in the 19:00 match while India will play Australia in an earlier match at 16:00. All times local.
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