(CNN Philippines) — Japan simply did everything right from the get-go on its way to a 25-12, 25-17, 25-15 straight-set drubbing of the Philippines in the quarterfinals of the Asian U23 Women’s Volleyball Championship at the Philsports Arena in Pasig on Monday (May 4).
The Japanese volleybelles dominated the first two sets before the Philippines showed signs of resilience in the third behind team captain Alyssa Valdez.
Valdez opened up the scoring for the Filipinos, who, like Japan and six other countries, were jockeying for a better seeding in the quarterfinals.
Jaja Santiago’s service ace gave the team an early 5-8 upperhand, the first time they led in the contest.
But it was only a brief reprieve for the coach Roger Gorayeb-led squad.
Japan scored four straight points to restore order and gained a 9-8 lead that never relinquished.
The Philippines will face Chinese-Taipei at 7PM tomorrow (May 5). A win will help to at least avoid a quarterfinal match opposite powerhouse teams China and Korea.
Also read: Philippines advances after sweeping Kazakhstan in straight sets
