PALEMBANG -- Two Philippine women's bowling teams fell short of a podium finish at the Jakabaring Bowling Center in Palembang on Wednesday.
The first team, composing of Marian Lara Posadas, Marie Alexis Sy, and Maria Liza del Rosario, finished seventh in the women's trios division with a total score of 4026.
The trio of Maria Lourdes Arles, Dyan Arcel Coronacion, and Rachelle Leon, meanwhile, finished 10th overall with 3923 points.
"We ended up 7th and 10th. I'm proud of them, they fought in the last game," said head coach Paeng Nepomuceno. "It's just that they didn't do too well in the morning but in the afternoon session was a lot better. "
The women's trios events consisted of two blocks, one in the morning and the other in the afternoon, with three games each. Both Philippine squads had rough starts after the first block as they placed 12th and 16th. They finally hit their stride in the second block but couldn't catch up to eventual winners Malaysia, Chinese Taipei, and Singapore.
"Maybe they were feeling things out first and then they started to loosen up, being more relaxed, and it produced good results after they were relaxed. Maybe they were trying too hard in the morning," said Nepomuceno, who won gold at the 2002 Asian Games.
Leon was one of the bowlers who had a sluggish start but was able to redeem herself in a big way. She had the highlight of the day for the Filipino contingent as she hit a remarkable nine straight strikes in the final game. She didn't miss up until the very last frame.
"I just thought that the first block was already done and that the second block is a different pattern," said Leon, who was back in the national team after a three-year hiatus. "You just have to believe in yourself."
The two women's teams weren't able to take home the hardware but coach Nepomuceno was pleased with their performance.
"Of course we wanted to finish in the medal standings but 7th and 10th are not bad actually," he said. "Considering this is the Asian Games and [it's a] one-shot, one-day event."
The two men's trios teams will see action Thursday. As for the women, they will compete again as part of a six-woman crew for Friday's event.
"We hope to do well tomorrow, keeping my fingers crossed. Let's see. We'll give our best," Nepomuceno said.