MANILA – The Philippine U-23 women’s volleyball team bowed out in its 2019 Thailand Open Sealect Tuna Championships campaign over the weekend at the V Sommai Gymnasium in Sisaket, Thailand.
The Emilio Reyes-mentored squad suffered its second consecutive defeat in the group stage and was out of contention after a 25-20, 25-12, 25-15 defeat to 3BB Nakornnont of Thailand.
Negrense Angel Canino stood out on offense for the national women’s volleyball team but was not enough to pull off an upset against one of the powerhouse teams in Thailand.
Canino, who is currently suiting up for the De La Salle-Zobel in UAAP juniors, was efficient in the tight opening set but the Thais regained its form to pull off a 1-0 set advantage.
Meanwhile, the Philippine national team recovered from a slow start to beat Fine Chef Phitsanulok of Thailand, 17-25, 25-12, 25-22, 25-20, to keep its flickering semifinals hope alive.
Bryan Bagunas scored 22 points off 18 attacks, two blocks and two aces as the Philippines bounced back from a four-set loss to Thai Air Force to finish the preliminary round with a 1-1 record.
Marck Espejo made 12 spikes and three blocks for 15 points, while Kim Malabunga scored 11, delivering six of the 11 blocks made by the Rebisco-backed Philippine team. Kittithad Nuwaddee scored 26 points, all coming from attacks, for Fine Chef./PN
