The Philippines fought valiantly but host country Indonesia recovered in time to win in four sets, 25-20, 25-20, 24-26, 25-22, in the women's volleyball competition of the 2018 Asian Games Saturday in Jakarta.
Facing a hostile crowd, the Philippines bounced back from a 0-2 deficit with a strong showing in Set 3, but the team struggled to stop Indonesia's main weapon Aprilia Manganang, who exploded for 28 points off 27 spikes and a block.
Alyssa Valdez spearheaded the charge for the Philippine team with 16 points, while Jaja Santiago delivered 13 markers. Kim Fajardo also played well with seven points on top of 29 excellent sets. Dawn Macandili recorded 12 digs and 13 excellent receptions.
The Philippines is still headed to the quarterfinals with a 1-3 record in Pool A. Thailand is currently seeded first with a 3-0 slate, while Japan and Indonesia have identical 2-1 cards. Hong Kong remains winless in three outings.
After struggling in the first two periods, Valdez heated up and sparked the Filipinos' run in the third frame that put them ahead, 14-9. With Manganang in charge, Indonesia launched six straight points to reclaim the lead at 17-15.
Manganang kept the Indonesians on top before Mylene Paat led a mini-run that forced a deadlock at 19. The two teams traded points until Santiago took over for the Philippines. From 22-all, Santiago scored the PH team's last four points, capped off by a service ace, that extended the game.
With Manganang on the bench, Indonesia had no problems building a 16-12 cushion in Set 4. The Filipinos rallied back - highlighted by Maika Ortiz scoring off a quick hit, a kill block, and an ace - to grab an 18-17 lead. Manganang checked back in and immediately made an impact as Indonesia strung together five straight points for a 23-18 cushion.
Back-to-back blocks from Mika Reyes brought the Philippines closer, 23-20, but the unstoppable Manganang pushed Indonesia to match point. Santiago and Valdez provided a glimmer of hope before an unfortunate error from the Filipinos allowed Indonesia to seal the win.
All in all, the Philippines gave up 26 unforced errors in the contest. Still, it was an impressive performance for the Filipinos who kept on fighting until the final rally.
"We believe that the team can still elevate its level of play. We won't lose hope," said coach Shaq Delos Santos after the loss.