By ADRIAN STEWART CO
The Alas Pilipinas national women’s volleyball team recovered from a slow start to defeat Indonesia, 22-25, 25-23, 25-13, 28-26, in the AVC Women’s Volleyball Nations Cup at the Dong Anh District Center for Culture, Information and Sports in Hanoi, Vietnam on Sunday, June 8.
Negrense Angel Canino finished with a double-double of 17 points, built on 13 attacks, three service aces, and one block, along with 12 excellent digs for the Philippines.
Alyssa Solomon top-scored with 17 points.
Mhicaela Belen contributed 12 points off the bench for Alas Pilipinas, which is now a 2-0 win-loss in Pool B tied with Kazakhstan.
“Pinaghandaan po talaga namin ‘yung match. Kahit sino man ang maglaro, kahit ‘yung nasa bench, kami, kasi hindi naman po kami starting six,” Belen said.
“So ready lang kami sa mga pwedeng mangyari and napaghandaan naman po talaga namin ang Indonesia. Alam namin na strong team sila, na maski mga bata sila, alam namin na matsa-challenge kami,” she added.
Alas Pilipinas reached match point courtesy of Fifi Sharma’s quick attack, but Ersandrina Devega tied the game and Canino’s attack error sent Indonesia to set point, 25-24.
Indonesia held on and looked to extend the match, taking a set point, 26-25.
Canino put Alas Pilipinas at match point and national team newcomer Shaina Nitura sealed the win for the national team./ASC, WDJ