By MARK REY MONTEJO
Alas Pilipinas failed to recover as it lost its momentum and yielded to Iran, 16-25, 25-21, 24-26, 25-23, 15-13, for its first loss in the 2025 AVC Women’s Volleyball Nations Cup at the Dong Anh Gymnasium in Hanoi, Vietnam Monday, June 9.
In the battle of two unbeaten squads, the Nationals squandered a 13-11 lead in the fifth set — where they also overcame an 8-5 deficit — as they committed costly errors which the Iranians took advantage of to steal the match.
The triumvirate of Bella Belen, Angel Canino and Shai Nitura tried to revive the Filipinas but it was too late as the Iranian bets had their defensive answers.
With its victory, Iran hiked its record to 3-0 to level with Kazakhstan, which it will face Wednesday, June 11, at the top of the Pool B standings.
The Philippines, on the other hand, settled for a 2-1 slate at third spot.
Fatemeh Khalili Chermahini led the way for Iran with 21 points built on 19 attacks and two blocks, while Masoumeh Ghadami Tabaghdehi and Zahra Salehi added 16 and 12 points, respectively.
Canino stood out for the Filipina hitters as she registered 20 points – which surpassed her 17-point output against Indonesia in their previous contest and her third straight double-digit performance – on 17 kills, two blocks and one ace.
Eya Laure and Dell Palomata also impressed with their combined 26 points, while Belen and Fifi Sharma had eight points apiece.
Debutant Nitura, who delivered deadly blows in the crucial moments of the game, contributed six points.
The Philippines has its chance to bounce back when it battles the winless New Zealand (0-2) this Wednesday, at the same venue.
