Philippines survives Australia in five-set thriller, will play Chinese Taipei in battle for fifth

The Philippine national women's volleyball team survived Australia in a five-setter, 21-25, 25-19, 19-25, 25-18, 15-12, in the classification round of the 2022 AVC Cup for Women on Sunday at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig.

The Creamline-bannered national team was neck and neck with the Aussies in the fourth set but made a late charge and eventually sent the match into the fifth set, 25-18.

Australia was leading early in the deciding set until a personal run from Jema Galanza gave the Philippines a 9-8 advantage. The national team eventually had a 12-9 lead before Australia managed to tie the game anew at 12. The team then bravely rallied until the end, with Tots Carlos sealing the win for the Philippines.

Carlos led the Philippines in scoring with 26 points, while Galanza added 18 points. Celine Domingo chipped in 15 points in the win.

The journey for the country's best finish in the AVC Cup continues as the Philippines will face Chinese Taipei in the battle for the fifth spot on Monday.

—JMB, GMA News