(CNN Philippines) — The national volleyball team suffered its first loss in the 18th Asian Senior Women’s Volleyball Championship, dropping a 25-18, 25-18, 24-26, 25-15 match at the hands of Australia at the Polytechnic University Gym in Tianjin, China on Wednesday (May 20).
The game was tight early on as Philippines was only down by one point, 10-9, in the first set. But the Australians went on an 11-6 blast to establish a 21-15 lead.
Philippines responded with three straight points to come within three, 21-18. But Australia answered with four straight points of their own to win the first set, 25-18.
The Philippines then dropped the next set with the same score.
But in the third frame, the national team turned the tables. Down 0-2 to start the set, Philippines moved in front, grabbing a 16-11 lead at the second technical timeout. Australia, however, went on a 7-2 spurt to knot the score at 18.
In the ensuing plays, both teams were tied at 22 before Australia found some breathing room by going up by two. But Philippines scored the next four points to take the fourth set, 26-24.
Australia, though, regained composure and displayed their dominance in the fourth set, 25-15, to earn their first victory of the tournament.
