TEAM PHILIPPINES—composed of the Ateneo Blue and Lady Eagles— both lost to Thailand in the 18th ASEAN University Games Volleyball tournament on Tuesday, July 12 at the National University of Singapore Multipurpos Sports Hall 5 in Singapore.
The Lady Eagles dropped their game in three straight sets, losing by the scores of 19-25, 10-25, and 23-25.
The Lady Eagles were heavily outmatched by the taller and longer Thailand side. This was a common problem when it came to both their offensive and defensive outputs. They were unable to get past Thailand’s stingy middle-blockers, as spikes were sent back to their side with ease. On the other side, Thailand repeatedly punished any defensive lapses from the Lady Eagles. Thailand would take advantage of every gap in their formation and spike towards the opening.
Even if the Lady Eagles lost the match in straight sets, Queen Eagle Alyssa Valdez saw light in their defeat to Thailand, which came out with their national team.
“We’re lucky and privileged to play with them,” said Valdez of the opposing squad. “We also got experience and learned from them.”
The team currently holds a 0-2 recording heading in the 18th ASEAN University Games Women’s Volleyball tournament, while the opponent stands at 2-0.
In Men’s Volleyball action, the Ateneo Blue Eagles faltered against Thailand in four sets, 24-26, 18-25, 25-23, 24-26 in their first match of the tournament.
Despite the Blue Eagles starting out strong, the experienced Thai squad kept their composure and caught up to take the first set. Consequently, Thailand took the second set against a visibly demoralized Philippine squad.
After going down 0-2, the Blue Eagles showed their University Athletics Association of the Philippines (UAAP) back-to-back championship action. Led by two-time UAAP Most Valuable Player Marck Espejo, the Philippine team rallied back to take the 3rd set.
Thailand proved their skill as they raced out to an early lead, looking as if they could close the game out easily. However, a late Blue Eagle spurt brought about by Espejo’s strong service game made an exciting finish. Despite tying the score at 24-all, team Philippines dropped the last two crucial points of the match, which allowed Thailand to claim victory.
Coach Oliver remained upbeat despite the hard-fought defeat praising his boys for standing toe-to-toe against Thailand’s national team. “We will really work hard and improve our lapses for this short tournament,” said Coach Oliver whilst also mentioning his appreciation for the loud Filipino fans who came to watch them play.
The team currently holds a 0-1 record heading in the 18th ASEAN University Games Men’s Volleyball tournament, while the opponent stands at 1-0.
The men’s team will face Laos on Wednesday, July 13 at 4:30pm in the National University of Singapore Multipurpose Sports Hall 5.
