Gutsy Pinays drop thriller to Thais

MANILA, Philippines - Rebisco PSL Manila stood its ground late in the match but lost steam and power and dropped a 25-20, 25-12, 18-25, 27-25 decision to unbeaten Supreme Chonburi VC of Thailand in the Asian Women’s Club Volleyball Championships in Ust-Kamenogorsk in Kazakhstan yesterday.

Jaja Santiago, Jovelyn Gonzaga and Aby Maraño took the cudgels for Rebisco, which stunned the Thais in the third. The Filipina spikers then survived two match points in the fourth, both on Gonzaga’s hits, but bowed out in the end with the Thais getting a lift from a bad call by referee who ruled a Supreme hit touched ball when it went straight out.

Despite the loss, coach Francis Vicente praised his wards for giving an inspired performance. “We played well today, but the referees call didn’t come our way,” he said.

Santiago topscored with 22 points, while Gonzaga added 14 markers and Maraño finished with 13 hits, including three block points. Ces Molina scored five while Kim Fajardo and Mika Reyes added three.

It was Supreme’s fourth triumph in as many games in the tournament.