Skipper Jia De Guzman says Philippines' brave stand vs China something to be proud of

A returning Jia De Guzman said that the Philippine team's brave showing against defending champion China in the 2022 AVC Cup for Women on Tuesday night was something they can be proud of.

"We gave our best for today's game and going up against China and to be able to stick with them for the most of the game, it's something that we can be proud of and it's something that we will bring in our next two games," said the team captain shortly after the match at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.

The Filipinas absorbed a sweep loss against a mighty China side, 25-16, 25-22, 25-20, to go 0-2 in the preliminary round. But the straight sets defeat doesn't reflect how big of a fight the Filipinas put up.

After a 25-16 loss in the opening frame, the hosts geared up in the next two sets with Michele Gumabao's ace knotting the game at 22-all in the second set.

In the third and last set, the Filipinas again staged a fightback with Jema Galanza notching the country's 20th point as China raced to the match point.

But both sets saw their efforts fall short as the visitors completed a sweep and cruised to their third win in as many games to remain unblemished in the tourney.

Still, De Guzman said they still gave their best.

The loss also served as De Guzman's first game back to the national team since the 2019 SEA Games, which was also staged in the same venue. The ace setter missed the team's opening game against Vietnam due to health reasons.

De Guzman vowed they will continue to bring their best, especially in the next two crucial matches against Iran and South Korea.

"It feels great to be able to represent the flag again and it's always a privilege to be able to represent the flag the best way we can and we're going into this campaign with everything we've learned from the past years as a team," De Guzman added.

"We're just really praying and hoping for the support of everyone."

The Philippines has to finish at least fourth in Group A as the top four teams will advance to the quarterfinals slated on August 27.

"Iba-iba kami ng experience going in so one thing's for sure, any player going into the court, representing the flag, will bring their best."

—JMB, GMA News