Philippines falls to Australia, bows out of contention in AVC Challenge Cup

The Philippine national women's volleyball team ran out of steam in its final quarterfinal game, falling to Australia in four sets, 18-25, 22-25, 25-21, 20-25, to bow out of contention in the 2023 AVC Challenge Cup for Women on Friday in Indonesia.

After dropping the first two sets, the Filipinas got their groove in the third frame with Faith Nisperos and Shaya Adorador conniving to bring them to a 23-17 advantage. But the Australians countered with a 4-1 run before a service error from their side gave the Philippines the set, 25-21.

It was a close fourth set for both sides with Ateneo middle blocker AC Miner unleashing a block to make it 17-18 before Australia responded with a 6-1 rampage that sent them to the match point at 24-18.

Eli Soyud and Nisperos, though, tried to lead the Philippines' comeback after saving two match points but Australia finished it off with a powerful attack from the opposite side.

With the loss, the Philippines will no longer move to the semifinals after finishing the QF round with a 1-2 card. Only the top two teams in the two groups will earn a Final Four ticket with Indonesia and India grabbing the slots in Pool E.

—Bea Micaller/JMB, GMA Integrated News