The Philippine women's volleyball team kicked off its Asian Games bid with a straight-sets loss to Thailand, 23-25, 12-25, 15-25, Sunday at the Gelora Bung Karno complex in Jakarta, Indonesia.
The Philippines' return to the Asian Games after 36 years was thwarted by the regional powerhouse.
The Filipinos started out strong but the dominant Thais, last Asiad's bronze medalists, quickly recovered to register their first win in Pool A.
"We need more experience in this kind of tournament, but we're proud of the players because they're doing their part. I think they just need to slowly adapt to the level of competition here in the Asian Games," coach Shaq Delos Santos said.
Alyssa Valdez finished with seven points all from spikes, while Jaja Santiago added six points off three attacks and three aces. Kianna Dy also showed up with six markers, while captain Aby Maraño had four kills and a block.
The Philippines caught Thailand off guard in the first frame with an aggressive 9-2 surge highlighted by Santiago's solid serves. Behind skipper Pleumjit Thinkaow, the Thais gradually trimmed down their deficit and stole the momentum. A 6-0 blast put Thailand ahead, 16-15, but the Philippines countered with four unanswered points capped by back-to-back hits from Valdez. Thailand forced another deadlock at 21 before completing a come-from-behind win.
The Thais displayed their strength in the second frame, capitalizing on the Filipinos' problematic first ball and unforced errors. They established their first double-digit cushion at 19-10 before cruising through a 25-12 triumph and a 2-0 lead in the match.
The Philippines' bench players kept fighting in the third set but the more experienced Thais proved to be too much down the stretch.
Chatchu Moksri led the charge for Thailand with 15 points built on ten spikes, three aces, and two blocks. Pimpichaya Kokram contributed 13 points, while Pleumjit added ten.
The Philippines resumes action on August 21 versus another tough opponent in Japan.