Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 19) – The Philippine women’s volleyball team failed to stop the momentum of host nation Vietnam, 23-25, 19-25, 17-25, in their final preliminary game in the 31st Southeast Asian Games on Thursday at the Quang Ninh Gymnasium.
The loss sent the Filipina spikers to the bronze medal match against Indonesia scheduled on Saturday.
The Philippines finished fourth in the five-nation tournament with a 1-3 slate, while Indonesia ranked third with a 2-2 record.
The Filipinas led through majority of the first set, thanks to the efforts of Jaja Santiago and Alyssa Valdez, but a 5-1 scoring attack of Vietnam in the homestretch handed the hosts the set victory.
In the second set, the Vietnamese spikers capitalized on their momentum to outwit the floor defense paraded by their Filipino foes.
The host team continued their onslaught in the third set, nullifying a 3-0 run by the Philippines in the middle of the frame.
Vietnam ended up in second place with a 3-1 record, while Thailand swept their four preliminary round games. The two countries will vie for the gold medal on Sunday.
