China survived a spirited Vietnam comeback, taking its second win of Pool A action in five sets, 25-12, 25-6, 29-31, 21-25, 15-12, to remain undefeated in two matches of the 2022 PNVF AVC Cup for Women, Monday afternoon at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.
The win puts China in the first spot in the group with a 2-0 win-loss record, while Vietnam slipped to an even 1-1 slate.
The titleholders had to work for the win after Vietnam knotted the deciding game at 10 apiece with Zhao Yetong taking charge to put up a 13-11 lead. Back-to-back kills from Zhuang Yushan, though, closed out the contest in China’s favor.
Zhao dropped 27 points, 12 of which came from that dominant second set, to end with 23 spikes and four blocks. Zhuang added 21 attacks, including those two points in the decider that sealed their win.
China jumped on the miscues of Vietnam in the first two sets. They banked on their plays in transition to get ahead with comfortable margins. Vietnam had their moments in the first two sets with Pham Thi Nguyen Anh carrying the cudgels as captain Tran Thi Thanh Thuy was checked.
Sensing momentum, Pham took charge in the gallant Vietnamese stand in the third set despite China getting their groove back. The outside hitter then closed out that long must-win set with a solo block.
Vietnam then capitalized on the errors of China in that fourth set to go ahead. They never looked back, eventually forcing the decider off yet another Chinese mishit.
Wu Mingjie opened the game for China, scoring seven of her 17 markers in the first set and finishing with 14 attacks, two blocks, and a service ace.
Pham ended with 13 points for Vietnam on eight attacks, one block, and four service aces. Team captain Tran came to life in the third set to eventually top the scoring for her side with 13 attacks and one block for 14 markers.
The reigning champions will take on the hosts Philippines on Tuesday at 7:00 PM. Meanwhile, Vietnam will look to get back on the winning column against Iran earlier in the day at 4:00 PM.
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