Broken after missing the semifinals cut, the Philippines easily folded to Iran in a disappointing, 20-25, 13-25, 16-25, straight sets defeat in the classification round of the Asian Volleyball Confederation Challenge Cup for Women yesterday at the Tridharma Sports Hall in Gresik, Indonesia.
The Filipinas barely showed resistance against the more aggressive Iranians to suffer another heartbreaking loss a day after absorbing a four-set setback against Australia that booted them out of the Final Four picture.
Iran skipper Khadkoda Mahsa scored 19 points while opposite hitter Ashofteh Mona added 15 markers.
Iran unleashed a 12-2 barrage in the third set capped by eight unanswered points to finish off the Nationals and advance to the battle for fifth against the Australians, who beat Uzbekistan, 25-21, 17-25, 28-26, 25-19, in their classification round clash.
The Philippines is relegated in the battle for seventh against the Uzbeks.
The Nationals, who were shown the exit door by the Australians, 18-25, 22-25, 25-21, 20-25, in the quarterfinals, played tentatively and were slow in their movements.
Iran exploited the Filipinas’ sluggish game to take control of the match easily after two sets. It was all Iran in the second frame with the Nationals seemingly showing no interest to resist.
The Philippines showed energy in the third and even took a 14-13 advantage after Mona’s serve went short.
However, Iran bolted out of the tight spot with a stirring run to complete the sweep iced by Amini Fatemeh’s quick return of the Filipinas’ missreceive.
The Philippines went cold on offense with main scorers Faith Nisperos, Shaya Adorador and Aiza Maizo-Pontillas silenced.
The Nationals try to salvage a seventh place finish at 12:30 p.m. while the Australia-Iran battle for fifth is set at 3 p.m.
