Gallant Pinays out of Asian U-23 volleyball after losing to China in quarters

The Philippines failed to advance to the semifinals of the Asian Under-23 Women's Volleyball Championship after losing in four sets to China, 23-25, 25-14, 25-19, 25-17, on Thursday at PhilSports Arena.

The gallant Filipina squad shocked the championship favorites in the first set, managing to eke out a close set win with their relentless attacks as the Chinese team lapsed into several errors.

The Philippines, however, deflated in the second and third sets as it was unable to stop China's quick attacks from the middle.

Team captain Alyssa Valdez was also subbed out midway into the third set to have her right knee taped to stop the cramping after several shaky landings following a spike.

The Philippines kept it close in the beginning of the fourth set, tying the game at 7-7 after an EJ Laure off the block hit, but China slowly pulled away with their high-speed attacks.

Valdez led the team with 17 points, while Jaja Santiago finished with 16 points. Myla Pablo added 11.

Liu Yanhan, meanwhile, exploded with 21 points for China, and had a solid support crew of Zheng Yixin and Duan Fang with 13 and 11 points, respectively.

The Philippines will once again face Chinese Taipei at 2 pm on Friday in the classification matches for fifth to eighth place. -- JST, GMA News