Thais flex SEAG might vs Pinays
The Filipinas, fired up by their surprise four-set win over the Vietnamese Monday, matched the Thais’ power in the opening set, even seizing one-point leads a couple of times. But as the Thais stepped up their attack, there was no stopping the 12-time SEAG titlists. JOEY MENDOZA
BIÑAN, Laguna, Philippines – Southeast Asian Games champion Thailand proved too tough, too strong for Team Philippines, fashioning out a 25-21, 25-14, 25-20 victory to ease out the hosts from the semifinals of the 19th Asian Senior Women’s Volleyball Championship at the Alonte gym here last night.
The Filipinas, fired up by their surprise four-set win over the Vietnamese Monday, matched the Thais’ power in the opening set, even seizing one-point leads a couple of times. But as the Thais stepped up their attack, there was no stopping the 12-time SEAG titlists.
The emphatic win thus set up a blockbuster Final Four duel between Thailand and Korea, which earlier trounced Chinese-Taipei, at 5:30 p.m. today.
The loss, on the other hand, sent the Filipinas to a crack at fifth place at best.
But they will have to hurdle Chinese Taipei at 12:30 p.m. today and the winner between Kazakhstan and Vietnam at 10 a.m. tomorrow.
Alyssa Valdez, who had nine points, said they hoped to gain experience from the setback as they gear up for the SEA Games starting next week.
“We knew Thailand is a strong team and we just want to learn from this game as we prepare for the SEA Games,” said Valdez, who also starred in their 27-25, 26-24, 17-25, 25-23 victory over SEAG silver medalist Vietnam.
Jovelyn Gonzaga paced the Phl with 11 hits in her best effort in the tournament.
Ajcharaporn Kongyot and Chatchu-on Moksri led the Thais with 17 hits apiece while Wilavan Apinyapong chipped in 13 markers.
Despite their three-set romp, Thailand captain Pleumjit Thinkaow said she was impressed with the Nationals’ performance.
“The Philippines is better than before, made us a little bit pressured. Their defense, system were very good,” said Thinkaow.
The Thais took a 16-14 lead midway in the opening frame but the Filipinos battled back with Valdez hammering in kill after kill to snatch the lead twice, the last at 17-16.
But teenage sensation Chatchu-on Moksri responded by unloading three straight points – a kill, a block and another spike – to help Thailand re-take the lead, 19-17.
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