THE Philippine U19 team donned by Victorias City natives Jayrack dela Noche and Alexander Iraya suffered a 2-0 upset against Iran-2 to eventually exit to the 3rd Asian U19 Beach Volleyball Championships at Nakhon Pathom, Thailand.
After losing 2-0 to Thailand the other day, the Negrense duo had put up a gallant stand before suffered another blow against the taller and tougher Iranian team of Amir Reza Zamani and Armin Kami, 12-21 and 16-21, Monday, July 5.
With the loss, the Philippines finished the tournament with a 0-2 card, while Iran-2 advanced to the quarterfinals with a 1-1 win-loss record alongside Pool A leader and undefeated Thailand-1 (2-0).
For dela Noche and Iraya, they learned valuable lessons from their international debut. "We will bounce back next time, we will be a better team," said dela Noche, who thanked their coaches Dondon Verayo and Teshi Ea for the motivation.
"Thank you for those who supported us and watched the matches online," he added.
Meanwhile, Carmela Arcolas-Gamboa stressed that the team may have lost but, gained so much on experience.
“What they picked up from here will definitely fuel their momentum to do better. As I have said, they came from the bottom and there’s no way to go but up,” she said.
“As a coach, a VANI president, and a PNVF board of director, my notes are full as well and I’m excited to bring it home and apply it,” she lamented.
Up next for de la Noche and Iraya is a stint in the 4th Asian U21 Beach Volleyball Championships on July 12 also in Nakhon Pathom.
The Philippine team is supported by the Philippine Sports Commission and Rebisco.