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| Saga took Round 1 against Alas Women. Gladhemer Pillejera |
PASIG––Alas Pilipinas Women took a straight set beating against the Saga Hisamitsu Springs, 25-19, 25-16, 25-16, to open the 2-day Alas Pilipinas Invitationals on Saturday at the PhilSports Arena.
Saga spoiled Mars Alba's debut with the national team as the Japanese club showed might in the first of their two-match series.
Down 13-18 in the opening period, Alba's entry in the match helped Alas close the gap against Saga Hisamitsu Springs, 17-19, but after a timeout, Saga regained control and closed out Set 1.
The Springs then found their groove late into Set 2 to make it 2-0.
During the third set, the Japanese squad fielded their second stringers allowing Alas to lead, 8-7, entering the first technical timeout.
However, Saga unleashed an 18-8 run later in the set to eventually close the match.
Miyu Nakagawa and Megumi Fukazawa led the Japanese squad with 15 and 14 points, respectively while Vanie Gandler and Alyssa Solomon top-scored for Alas with 5 each.
Despite the loss, team captain Dawn Macandili-Catindig believes this experience will help the team grow as they go out of the usual Philippine competition.
“Dito namin makikita kung ano yung kulang ng team kasi [if] we stay in our bubble, wala na kaming room for growth. If we fight against these top caliber teams, mas marami pa kaming matututunan,” Catindig said.
The women’s national team will try to redeem themselves on Sunday as they go back to Philsports Arena to face the Springs again to conclude the Alas Pilipinas Invitationals.
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