Second loss sends Alas to brink

CANDON CITY, Ilocos Sur , Philippines — Alas Pilipinas prayed for a miracle against South Korea.

It was left unanswered as the Filipinas crash-landed and absorbed a stinging 25-16, 25-18, 25-22 defeat yesterday for a massive blow to their AVC Volleyball Cup semifinal bid at the Candon City Arena here.

It was South Korea’s third straight win to lead Pool A alongside Chinese Taipei while the host team stumbled to its second defeat against the same number of victories, on the brink of elimination.

But it’s not yet the end of the road for the Nationals as they can still catch the last semis bus if they can pull the rug from under the fancied Taiwanese tomorrow and hope that the latter and the Aussies both lose to the Koreans in their final pool play matches.

Alas will have the whole of today to make plans ahead of that critical showdown with Chinese Taipei as the tournament takes a breather.

“We will play with all our hearts out and fight,” said Alas skipper Alyssa Valdez of their Taipei duel.

The Filipinas did not go out without a fight though as they came close to snatching a set when they surged to a 19-16 lead in the third set with Alas coach Shaq delos Santos unleashing Ara Galang.

It proved to be Alas’ last gasp as South Korea went on targetting the Pinays’ weak backline for eight of the last 11 points to take the set and the match.