SEA Games: PHL volleyball coach blames lack of experience, prep time for opening loss

 

Lack of experience and preparation did in the Philippine national women's volleyball team in their first outing in the 2015 Southeast Asian Games, according to coach Roger Gorayeb.

 

The Philippines fell to a more experienced Indonesia side on Wednesday in straight sets, 25-22, 25-20, and 25-14.

 

"This game showed our lack of international experience and short preparations," said Gorayeb. "Nagsama-sama na lahat. The SEA Games is an entirely new level compared to what we have back home."

 

The Philippines was making its return to the regional competition for the first time in 10 years. The lack of experience showed, with the Indonesians taking just an hour and 51 minutes to defeat the Pinays. 

 

Volleyball phenom Alyssa Valdez scored 15 points, but twin towers Jaja and Dindin Santiago managed to combine for just nine for the Philippines.

 

Expectations for the team had been high after the solid performance of the Under-23 squad in the recent Asian tournament in Manila. But Gorayeb noted, "We are no longer playing on our homecourt. Iba talaga ang laro sa labas ng bansa." —JST, GMA News