Asian Games medal hopes over for Alas Women after falling to Kazakhstan

Alas Pilipinas imposed its will in the opener but came up short in the next three sets to fall to Kazakhstan, 29-27, 24-26, 23-25, 19-25 and miss the Asian Games women’s volleyball quarterfinals on Thursday at the Okazaki Chuo Sogo Park Gymnasium in Aichi, Japan.

The Philippines trailed, 14-17, in the opening frame before Jia De Guzman built solid connections with Angel Canino and Eya Laure.

Laure scored off the block, while Canino struck a wide-open kill as Alas Women saved two set points to tie the frame at 24-24.

Canino delivered the team to its fourth set point through a running attack, 28-27, before Laure ‘s crosscourt hit put the Philippines one set ahead.

Alas Women showed the same intensity late in the second period, erasing a 13-19 deficit to force a 24-24 deadlock behind another quick attack from Canino.

Their late charge saved two set points but was ultimately shut off when Kazakhstan scored back-to-back points to take the set.

The Kazakhs then built massive leads throughout the final two sets, marching easily into the next round.

Kazakhstan will face China tomorrow to determine who will top Pool B.

Alas Women will not go home yet as they still play in the 9th to 14th classification round on Sunday, September 20.