MANILA, Philippines — Team Philippines blew a two-set lead and crumbled in the stretch with erratic receptions and foiled attacks, yielding a painful 25-21, 25-21, 24-26, 16-25, 10-15 decision to Australia in the opener of the AVC Asian Cup at the Korat Chatchai Hall in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand yesterday. They actually shrugged off a shaky start in the decider and took an 8-6 lead on an Alyssa Valdez hit and Australia’s net violation. But the Aussies came out of the last technical timeout an organized lot, scoring two quick points on a dump and an off-the-block hit to draw level. But not even a Phl timeout could slow down the Aussies, who strung up six more unanswered points, including two blocks and a couple of aces as the Filipinos cracked trying to stop their rivals’ unrelenting charge. Maika Ortiz and Mylene Paat broke the spell with back-to-back hits but the Aussies clinched the victory as Paat’s down-the-line attack went long.

Source: Philippine Star September 16, 2018 15:33 UTC