Pool A leader India is bracing for a hostile environment as they take on the home team Alas Pilipinas Women in the 2024 AVC Challenge Cup group phase at the historic Rizal Memorial Coliseum on Friday night.
The Indians are coming off a dominant 25-19, 25-13, 25-16 victory over Chinese Taipei yesterday, moving to the top of the group with a clean 2-0 record.
Soorya Soorya, who led India with eight blocks and seven attacks for 15 points in the win, admitted that facing the hometown team will always be a huge challenge for any visiting squad.
However, she is confident that her team is up to the task.
“Actually, playing against the home team is very difficult because the audience support will go to the Philippines. But we will try to compensate for that,” said the 6-foot middle blocker.
The Philippines will head into their crucial match-up against the Indians with a huge boost following a triumphant 22-25, 25-19, 25-16, 25-21 debut against a tall Australia squad.
With Jia De Guzman orchestrating the attack, Alas Pilipinas recovered from a tight opening set loss. They took down the Volleyroos in style, to the delight of the 4,945 fans inside the 6,000-seater arena in Manila.
Heroes were aplenty for the Philippines, with Angel Canino and Eya Laure taking charge with 17 points each.
Sisi Rondina tallied 16 markers, while Thea Gagate contributed 11 points in the win.
Alas Pilipinas head coach Jorge Souza de Brito said that quickness will once again be the key for the team as they take on another big team in India.
De Brito also emphasized that De Guzman’s playmaking will be pivotal, saying that the eight-time PVL Best Setter must utilize her weapons anew for the team to have a good shot at taking down the Indians.
“It’s always play better and win. Winning is always the result after you play well. I don’t want to compare. Okay, they are taller than us, but we can be faster than them. We have to take advantage of the skills that we have better than them,” said the Brazilian coach.
“In this case, the receive was good, we have a good setter and a lot of weapons, a lot of good players, middle blockers, opposites, and everything.”
The much-anticipated match between India and the Philippines will be at 7:00 PM today.
