The Akari Chargers' setter gets a chance to shine.
After a couple of quiet conferences with the Akari Chargers, Michelle Cobb shows why she's the team captain. And this time, she got to shine on the international stage.
The Philippine national women's national team lost their second match of Pool E in the AVC Challenge Cup to Australia, 18-25, 22-25, 25-21, 20-25.
Faith Nisperos, Shaya Adorador, and Eli Soyud were the bright spots for Akari with 17, 16, and 9 points respectively. And it was thanks to setter Michelle Cobb.
Once again though, the volleyball fans' ire was directed to coach Jorge de Brito, as he subbed Cobb for Des Cheng in the crucial set.
"Ganda na ng third set because of Cobb pinilit pa din ng lolo Jorge nyo si Cheng. Yung Indonesian commentator laging binabanggit si Cobb nung 4th set ang lolo go pa din lipat ka na lang Michelle Cobb next conference," a fan tweeted.
Fans also lauded the improvement of other players.
"Bumilis at nagkaroon ng middle attack mostly si Miner, powerful front at back attack both si Nisperos at Soyud. Maintain ang pasabog ni Shaya sa front nung si Cobb ang setter sa 3rd set," one tweet noted.
"Kaya nagtaka ako bakit pinalitan?"
Another fan also congratulated Nisperos for returning to her "usual soring self."
Soyud though, was noted to have stood out for the first time. But once again, de Brito was criticized for subbing out players who have been on a run for the team.
The Philippines is out of medal contention, but the squad is still in the fight for 5th to 8th place. The Filipinas will take on Iran on Saturday.