Filipina spikers absorb four-set loss to Indonesia in SEA Games volleyball

The Philippine women's volleyball team put up a gallant stand but still fell to Indonesia in four sets, 23-25, 25-21, 15-25, 20-25, for its second loss in a row in the 31st SEA Games on Tuesday in Hanoi, Vietnam.

The Filipinas first blew a 22-19 lead in the opening set before surrendering it to the Indonesians, 23-25.

Kat Tolentino, who is playing her maiden SEA Games stint, provided the spark in the second set as the Philippines took a slim 15-14 cushion off her service ace. A backrow attack from Alyssa Valdez tied things up at 18 before Jaja Santiago made it a 21-18 affair.

Santiago went for a quick hit for the set point before an error from Indonesia sealed the second set for the Philippines, 25-21.

The Filipinas failed to build on that momentum in the third, allowing Indonesia to create a huge 21-9 advantage before veteran Aby Maraño helped slice their deficit to just nine,  24-15. A misreception from her, though, handed Indonesia a 2-1 set lead, 25-15.

Maraño again brought the Philippines to within four, in the fourth set 12-16, but Indonesia unleashed a 6-1 run for a 22-13 cushion.

They showed some glimmer of hope with Valdez making it a 20-24 game but Indonesia went for an open attack to close out the match, 25-20.

The Filipina spikers won their first assignment against Malaysia but has since lost twice, first to Thailand and now, Indonesia.

The Philippines isn't out of contention yet as it will still play host Vietnam on May 19.

—JMB, GMA News