Philippines falls to Vietnam in women’s volleyball

The Philippine women’s volleyball team fell 21-25, 25-23, 25-19, 20-25, 15-8 to Vietnam in the ongoing Southeast Asian Games last Tuesday at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.
The Philippines got off to a strong start in the opening set behind Alyssa Valdez but, in the second, they found themselves engaged in a tight battle with their opponents. The Vietnamese side went on to dominate the third with the Philippine side taking the fourth, tying the match up with two sets each.
Into the final set, Vietnam banked on their potent net defense to create distance from the home side and eventually securing the win.
Opposite hitter Trần Thị Thanh Thúy completed a triple-double for Vietnam with 27 points, 13 digs, and 13 excellent receptions; while Nguyễn Thị Xuân chipped in 15 markers; Bùi Thị Ngà scored 14; and Hoàng Thị Kiều Trinh added 10.
Despite the loss, Valdez posted 22 points with 20 coming off spikes, along with 13 receptions; while Frances Molina and Jovelyn Gonzaga each finished with 12 markers.
The Philippines next faces Thailand tonight./ASC, WDJ