The Creamline-represented Philippines fell to five-time continental champion China but delivered a note-worthy performance nonetheless, absorbing a hard-fought 16-25, 22-25, 20-25 decision, Tuesday in the 2022 PNVF AVC Cup for Women at the PhilSports Arena.
With the Nationals closing in during the first set, the youthful Chinese squad with an average age of 20 closed with an 8-2 run for the early advantage, 25-16.
Knotted at 22 in the second period, Wu Mengjie spearheaded China's attack, while Tots Carlos' attack error capped the set for the 2-0 lead, 25-22.
China had another strong finishing kick in the third frame, a 6-1 blitz this time, to turn a 19-19 affair to a 25-20 victory.
"Actually 'yung mindset ng bawat isang player sa Pilipinas, iba kasi sobrang taas na ng rank ng China. Kasi kami galing pa lang kami sa club so 'yung mindset namin hindi pa solid sa international," said returning head coach Sherwin Meneses on what lacked.
Wu unloaded a game-high 24 points on 23 attacks, while Zhuang Yushan got 10 points to her name.
The taller Chinese squad roared in the blocking category, denying six while the Nationals got nothing.
However, the Philippines was spectacular from the service line, tallying eight aces compared to China's two.
Carlos led the host with 15 points on 13 spikes and two aces.
Jema Galanza and Michele Gumabao produced 11 points each, both contributing two aces as well.
Jia De Guzman, who missed the game against Vietnam last Sunday, returned and got five points to herself off three dump balls and two aces too.
The Philippines, which fell to 0-2, will try to snag its first win tomorrow at 7 pm against Iran (1-1).
"Kaya naman (makaquarterfinals) kasi against Vietnam and this game, mas mataas 'yung intensity ngayong game. Hopefully mas tumaas pa 'yung intensity sa game bukas sa Iran saka Korea," said Meneses.
