Errors and poor floor defense did the Philippines in.
For the first few minutes of the Philippines' women's indoor volleyball semifinals match against powerhouse Thailand, many were raising hopes that the Filipino spikers had a chance.
Alas, it was not meant to be.
The defending queens of Southeast Asian Games women's indoor volleyball, who have been reigning since 1995, picked up the pace and swept the Philippines, 25-22, 25-9, 25-12.
The Philippines actually had a stunning start, even going up by three points in the first set against the defending champions.
"The mindset is before mag-start yung kalaban, just focus on that point," setter Jia De Guzman told One Sports' Denise Tan after the match. "Magfa-follow naman, nakikita na nakaka-score kami."
But Thailand regained its composure and snatched the first set, 25-22.
Pimpichaya Kokram and the rest of the Thai volleybelles then made sure there would be no near-upset in the second frame, targeting Tots Carlos and the other Filipinas with their serves and kills.
It was the worst set for the Philippines, as the deficit ballooned to 13 at one point due to errors and slow receptions. Thailand finished it mercifully at 25-9.
De Guzman later admitted there were a lot of holes with how the team played.
"We were outreceived and outdug by Thailand," the setter said candidly. "In the Southeast Asian Games, it's really important to have good, steady floor defense. That's the first ball, that's the start of every rally of every game, every point."
The Philippines found life in the third frame, thanks to Michele Gumabao. But the veterans of Thailand were just too quick.
"We really have to steady pa our floor defense so that we can set up more points," De Guzman reflected.
It's not over yet though for the Philippines, as they await their opponent for the bronze medal match on Sunday, which would either be Indonesia or Vietnam.
"Every experience we get, especially this one from Thailand, is very valuable," De Guzman added. "We have a better chance, we're really hungry to get that bronze."
The Filipinas are hoping they can take a medal after three straight SEA Games of just barely missing the podium. This time, maybe it's meant to be.
(With reports from Denise Tan, One Sports)
(MDB)