Gallant Pinays drop debut in Asian U-23 volleyball to Iran

After a hard-fought third set, the Philippines lost steam in the fourth frame to drop its debut against Iran, 25-22, 25-22, 19-25, 25-20, in the  Asian Under-23 Women's Vollyeball Championships on Friday at PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.

The Alyssa Valdez-led squad battled toe-to-toe in the first and second sets, keeping the score close but falling short down the stretch.

But the team bounced back strong in the third and refused to yield a straight-set loss, recovering from a mid-set meltdown and posting a commanding 23-15 lead after a strong 8-1 run.

Iran rallied to come within six, 24-19, but setter Jia Morado dropped the ball on the second touch to seal the set for the Philippines.

The Filipinas, however, could not replicate their energy in the third, lapsing into a series errors that saw them looking at a 19-10 deficit. They recovered a little to come close 23-19, but Iran asserted their might in the endgame.

Valdez, who hurt her wrist but kept playing during the game, topscored the Philippnes with 31 points, while towering middle hitter Jaja Santiago finished with 13 points. Gretchel Soltones added eight.

Iran, meanwhile, had a more balanced offense led by team captain Mahsa Saberi with 16 points. Mahsa Kadkhoda tossed in 14 points, while lefty spiker Neda Chamlanian contributed eight. Other spikers also shared scoring duties. -- JST, GMA News