By El Amigo
MANILA — Alas Pilipinas Women fought back repeatedly but could not complete the comeback against Kazakhstan, falling in four sets, 29-27, 23-25, 23-25, 19-25, and missing the Asian Games quarterfinals on Thursday.
The Filipinas started strongly, escaping with a thrilling opening-set victory after Canino and Laure delivered when it mattered most.
Canino tied the set at 24-all before the Philippines pulled away late to take the frame, 29-27.
Kazakhstan turned the tables in the second set, leaning on its blocking to put the Philippine attack under pressure.
Alas fell behind by as many as seven, but Solomon, Palomata and Laure helped ignite a comeback. Canino also saved a set point, but Kazakhstan survived the rally and won, 25-23.
The Philippines again had to play catch-up in the third after Kazakhstan jumped to a 14-7 lead.
Canino led the charge with back-to-back attacks that tied the set at 19-all, while Solomon and Gagate kept the Filipinas within striking distance with their blocks.
But Kazakhstan stayed steady down the stretch and closed the set with an ace for another 25-23 victory.
The Kazakhs seized control early in the fourth and eventually built a 21-14 lead.
Canino and Solomon tried to spark one final comeback, but Kazakhstan completed the 25-19 win to secure the match and end Alas Pilipinas’ quarterfinal hopes.
Canino finished with a team-high 24 points on 20 attacks, two aces and two blocks. Solomon added 20 points, including 15 attacks, four blocks and an ace, while Laure had seven attacks.
Palomata and Belen scored five points each, Provido four and Gagate three. Ytang and Alba contributed one point apiece.
Alas Pilipinas now shifts its focus to the classification matches after falling short of a quarterfinal berth.
ia/xf
