The Philippines ended up winless on Day 1 of the 2021 Asian Women's Club Volleyball Championship after Team Rebisco dropped its game against Altay VC of Kazakhstan, 25-23, 25-13, 25-17 on Friday in Thailand.
The loss followed an earlier defeat for Choco Mucho, who bowed to home team Nakhon Ratchasima in straight sets, 25-11, 28-26, 25-17.
Down a set and nine points, Rebisco's middle blocker Imee Hernandez launched a quick attack to spark some run for the Philippine in the second frame, 22-12. Setter Camille Cal then followed it with a one-two attack but it was not enough as Rebisco ended it at 25-13 as Rebisco went 0-2.
The Filipinas had a better start in the third set after leading 6-5 off three attacks from Mhicaela Belen but Altay's team captain Sana Anarkulova sparked a 12-3 run to bring the game to 9-17, with Rebisco still trailing.
Rebisco came to as close as 14-20 after Kim Dy and Belen helped establish a 5-0 rampage before Altay copped its first match point at 16-24. Hernandez saved one for Rebisco after a block on Silvija Popovic.
Popovic, though, hammered one through the blocks to finish off the game for Altay.
Rebisco was dealt a huge blow as four of its key players in Aby Maraño, Eya Laure, Dindin Santiago, and Ivy Lacsina remained in quarantine.
Coming in as their replacement in this game were Majoy Baron and Dy, who were originally listed to suit up for Choco Mucho.
Rebisco will vie to bounce back tomorrow when it faces another powerhouse team Supreme Chonburi at 4:30 p.m.
