Philippines sweeps Kazakhstan for first win in Asian U-23 women's volleyball

The Philippines survived Kazakhstan's gallant third set stand to stay alive in the Asian U-23 Women's Volleyball Championship, 25-19, 25-11, 28-26, on Saturday at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.

The Filipino squad earned three points for the victory, recovering from its four-set loss to Iran on Friday in their opening game. With a total of four points, the team will now waiting for the result of the showdown between the Kazakhs and the Iranians.

After a shaky start in the first set, the Philippines fell into rhythm and cruised to a comfortable finish as the Kazakhstan defense could not handle the team's attacks. Buoyed by the energy of the home court crowd, they then showed no mercy in the second frame against and pounced on the error-prone Kazakh ladies.

With their backs against the wall, Kazakhstan began to play more aggressively paced by Yagodina's hits and entered the first technical timeout ahead, 8-7.

The Philippines, however, turned the tables around with attacks from Alyssa Valdez, Jaja Santiago, and Gretchel Soltones. The team seemed poised to close out the set smoothly as they mounted a 22-16 lead, but the Kazakhs rallied for four straight points as the Pinays committed costly errors to come within two, 24-22.

The Kazakhs forced a deuce after another attack error from Valdez, but the team asserted their might with spikes from Myla Pablo and Santiago. -- JST, GMA News