Iran took care of business in its opening match of the 2022 PNVF AVC Cup for Women, taking down Korea in straight sets, 25-10, 25-15, 25-13, in Pool A action, Monday evening at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.
The win puts the West Asians in third place for now with a 1-0 win-loss record just behind undefeated China and Vietnam. On the other hand, Korea still searches for its first win at 0-2.
Opposite hitter Aytak Salamatgharamaleki paced the Iranians in the match that lasted for just 72 minutes. She had 11 points, six of which came in the opening set to set the tone for her squad. She eventually finished with seven spikes, two blocks, and two service aces.
Elah Poor Saleh Shahdehsari added 10 markers on eight attacks and two aces.
Iran jumped early, capitalizing on the passing problems of the young opponents, to take the lopsided opening frame. The squad, though, succumbed to their own reception problems. Korea ended the second set with its biggest production of the Cup so far, despite conceding the frame.
For captain Mahsa Kadkhoda, this is something Iran needs to work on, especially with stronger teams ahead in its schedule.
“We are good in blocking but we need to still train in it. We need to work a little bit on our reception because there might be teams with better service,” the 29-year-old skipper, who got six points on five attacks and one service ace, said of what they needed to improve moving forward.
Iran, though, had dealt with it in this match, especially in the finishing kick in the third set, and the side opened their campaign on a high note.
Choi Hosun topped South Korea in terms of scoring for the second straight match with five points on four attacks and one ace. Meanwhile, Kim Seyul added four attacks, three of which came in that productive second set.
Iran will try to go for another when it faces Vietnam on Tuesday at 4:00 PM. Meanwhile, South Korea will take on a well-deserved break before they battle the same team on the following day at 1:00 PM.
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