Santiago: The Philippines bowed to world No. 2 Japan, 23-25, 19-25, 16-25, in the FIVB Volleyball Girls' U17 World Championship at the Parque Estadio Nacional in Santiago, Chile on Friday. The Alas Girls dropped into the battle for 13th to 16th, while the Japanese squad moved on to the playoffs for 9th to 12th place.
According to Philippines News Agency, the Philippines will face Venezuela at 2 a.m. Sunday (PH time). Venezuela is also coming off a loss to Poland, 8-25, 21-25, 16-25. 'Focus is on rest and recovery. We put the loss behind us, and it's on to the next match,' team manager Karl Chan said, calling the shots in place of head coach Edwin Leyva, who was sidelined by a stomach bug.
Caera Celis delivered 16 points on 12 attacks, three blocks, and an ace, followed by Xyz Rayco with seven points, all on attacks, and Jhaynna Bulandres with four points. Miko Takahashi led Japan with 15 points while Reina Nakagawa added 10 points, including four of the team's nine blocks.
No. 16 Dominican Republic also moved to the playoffs for 9th to 12th after beating No. 22 Czechia, 23-25, 25-22, 25-23, 25-15. The USA defeated Italy, 25-10, 25-15, 26-24, to forge a semifinal duel with world No. 1 and defending champion China, which survived No. 16 Croatia, 25-23, 25-21, 20-25, 19-25, 15-7.
No. 4 Chinese Taipei outlasted No. 18 Thailand, 15-25, 26-24, 29-27, 22-25, 15-7, to set up a semifinal showdown with No. 7 Turkiye, a 21-25, 27-25, 25-22, 25-17 winner over South Korea.
