RIFFA, Bahrain — Alas Pilipinas will have to dig deep for a podium finish as it renews its rivalry with powerhouse Thailand in the bronze medal match of the Asian Youth Games on Wednesday, October 29, at Isa Sports City.

The Philippine girls’ volleyball team showed flashes of brilliance but failed to maintain its early momentum, bowing to Iran, 28-26, 18-25, 19-25, 18-25, in the semifinals on Monday night. The young Filipinas took the first set before Iran settled down and capitalized on the Philippines’ difficulty in converting side-outs.

Rhose Almendralejo led the scoring with 25 points built on 23 attacks, while Sam Cantada added 14. Raine Alonzo and Ysabella Cruz chipped in seven and five, respectively, in a gallant effort for the Filipinas, who struggled with reception against the taller and steadier Iranians.

Usually a steady contributor, Philippine flag bearer Harlene Serneche was limited to three points in the match as she struggled to find her rhythm early on.

Doroja confident team will bounce back

Thailand, which entered the semifinals unbeaten, was also handed a stunning defeat by Indonesia, 26-24, 27-25, 25-17. Despite the setback, libero Atasha Doroja remained optimistic that the team will recover and perform better in the bronze medal clash.

“Masakit po yung natalo kami. We tried our best, we gave our best sa game, pero marami pa po kaming kailangan pagtrabahuhan. I think maka-clutch naman po namin ‘yan para sa battle for third namin against Thailand,” said Doroja.

She admitted the team still has much to improve, both emotionally and in terms of skills, but vowed that they will use the experience to grow. Doroja also thanked the Filipino fans in Bahrain for their continuous support throughout the tournament.

“Maraming salamat po sa mga Filipino fans na nandito. Salamat po sa effort at sa panonood ninyo sa amin. Whether we win or lose, salamat po sa pagsuporta. Babawi po kami at kukunin po namin yung third,” she added.

Familiarity gives Alas Pilipinas hope

The Philippines now aims to avenge its preliminary-round defeat to Thailand, which swept their earlier encounter, 25-21, 25-18, 25-14. This time, Alas Pilipinas hopes that familiarity and adjustments will give them an edge.

“Nakalaban na po namin sila so mas familiar na po kami sa kanila ngayon. Advantage po ‘yun sa amin,” Doroja said.

Thailand will again lean on its top hitters Wisanruta Sengna and Supawadee Panwilai as it looks to replicate its earlier sweep of the Filipinas.