The Philippines grabbed its second-straight win via a sweep of South Korea, 25-18, 25-13, 25-17, to end the 2022 PNVF AVC Cup for Women preliminary round, Thursday at the PhilSports Arena.
With a 2-2 win-loss record, the national team will enter the quarterfinals as the third seed of Pool A and will face Pool B second seed Thailand on Saturday, at 5 pm.
“These two wins are amazing for Philippine volleyball, it’s history—beating Iran and Korea for the last 30 years or more,” said Philippine National Volleyball Federation president Ramon “Tats” Suzara.
“Siyempre masaya kami kasi nakapasok kami sa quarterfinals. Hopefully, gumanda pa yung performance namin, meron pa namang one day preparation,” said Philippines head coach Sherwin Meneses.
“‘Yung Thailand grabe na talaga exposure nila sa international pero gagawin namin ‘yung best namin na maging maganda ‘yung performance kasi ‘yung chemistry ng Thailand kahit puro bata sila, superb din talaga,” the youthful head coach continues.
Jema Galanza spearheaded a hot start by the Nationals in the first set, scoring four in their 10-3 opening, ultimately taking a 25-18 tally.
Knotted at 9 in the second frame after three straight errors by the Philippines, the hosts went on a blistering 16-4 finishing kick to move a set away from the sweep, 25-13.
Ahead by just three in the third, 19-16, Galanza heated up anew to lead the country’s 6-1 close, 25-17.
Galanza led the Philippines again with 12 points, while Tots Carlos chimed in 11 points.
Ced Domingo continued her solid play with nine points built on four attacks, three blocks, and two service aces.
The Philippines dominated the blocking and service department with 12 and seven, respectively.
Kim Seyul paced the Koreans with nine points, while captain Hwang Jimin had eight.
Young South Korea ended the tournament winless.
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