Thais overwhelm Pinay spikers

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines women’s volleyball team tasted a harsh 25-12, 25-16, 25-10 defeat at the hands of powerhouse Thailand in Day 2 of the 2019 ASEAN Grand Prix second leg yesterday at the Sta. Rosa Multipurpose Sports Complex in Laguna. 

No player finished in double figures for the Filipinas with Mylene Paat and Ces Molina settling for just seven and six markers, respectively, in their blowout loss that came at the heels of an impressive straight-set win over Vietnam the other day. 

Majoy Baron chalked up five points for the shorthanded Philippine squad, which deeply missed the services of perennial stars Alyssa Valdez, Jia Morado, Maddie Madayag, Jovelyn Gonzaga and Kalei Mau. 

Even libero Dawn Macandili struggled to contain Thailand’s lethal attacks with just 10 digs as Jasmine Nabor only managed to provide 13 sets. 

“First of all, we know the caliber of Thailand. They just play differently from the other teams. We did what we can do but Thailand is just way ahead,” said coach Shaq delos Santos. 

“But we’ll learn from this and will surely improve along the way. It’s a process especially with this squad being formed just recently. It’s a lesson for us that will help us as we progress,” he added. 

Pimpichaya Kokram paced the Thais with 11 points on 10 hits while first leg MVP Onuma Sittirak put up 10 in this quick win that they secured in just 58 minutes. 

Wiliavan Apinayapong provided floor defense with 14 digs and nine receptions while Gullapa Piampomgsan dished 11 sets for Thailand, which is using this inaugural ASEAN GP as a build-up to its volleyball title defense in the upcoming 30th Southeast Asian Games this November here.

Minus Valdez, Morado, Gonzaga and Madayag, who had to attend to their PVL commitments together with injured Mau and ineligible Alohi Robins-Hardy, the Nationals were simply overpowered by the visiting Thais.