Nakhon ratchasima: The Philippines failed to advance to the quarterfinals after a 22-25, 13-25, 26-28 loss to Indonesia in the Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Girls' U18 Championship in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand.
According to Philippines News Agency, Ma. Ellaine Lorraine Gonzalvo scored 12 points on 12 attacks and two aces, while Xyz Ellen Rayco contributed 10 points on nine attacks and one block for the Filipinos. The team put up a strong challenge in the one-hour and 32-minute encounter but ultimately could not secure a win.
Sharina Rhayza Lleses and Adeleine Terese Agustin added eight and six points, respectively, for the team known as Alas Pilipinas, which had previously beaten Indonesia for the bronze medal in the Princess Cup. Coach Ray Karl Dimaculangan commented, 'I can say that we played good today but Indonesia played better. We have to move on from this loss and focus on our next game.'
The Philippines ranked third in Pool C with a 1-2 slate, ahead of Iran (0-3). Indonesia (2-1) will join Japan (3-0) in the next round. Team manager Carmela Gamboa noted, 'I'm sure the girls felt bad because they played against Indonesia in the Princess Cup. The Indonesians really prepared to beat us.'
In a previous encounter during the Princess Cup, also known as the Southeast Asian Girls' U18 Volleyball Championship, the Philippines had defeated Indonesia 27-25, 27-29, 18-25, 25-22, 15-11 on June 28. Thailand claimed the championship over Vietnam in that tournament.
Indonesia's Khanza Putri Yanzi Ganeshi and skipper Tina Syifa Sabila Salim each delivered 14 points, with Ganeshi scoring on 12 attacks and two blocks and Salim scoring all on attacks. Indonesia head coach Hasan Mubarak Angga emphasized the importance of defense in their victory, stating, 'The commitment is there. We did better in reception and blocking.' He expressed confidence in his team's ability to compete against the Filipino players.
The semifinalists in the championships will qualify for the U19 world championships in 2027. The international federation FIVB has yet to announce the venue.
