By KRISTEL SATUMBAGA
Alas Pilipinas bucked a third-set stumble and turned back Indonesia, 25-20, 25-20, 16-25, 25-13, to settle for the bronze medal in the 5th SEA Women’s V.League Leg 1 in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand on Saturday, Aug. 2.
The Nationals immediately regained their composure and dictated the pace in the fourth set, leading by as many as 10, 15-5, on their way to a podium finish.
The Filipina spikers overpowered their rivals in the offensive end, firing 15 kills, while limiting the Indonesians to only seven attacks in that frame.
It was actually the Nationals’ only victory in the leg, having lost to powerhouse Thailand and Vietnam both in four sets before arranging a bronze-medal showdown with the Indonesians.
Vietnam and Thailand, who were both unbeaten in their two games, battle for the gold medal at press time.
The podium finish was a big boost for the Filipina spikers as they focus on Leg 2 slated on Aug. 8 to 10 in Vietnam.
