Thailand flexed its dominant form after clobbering the Philippines by way of a straight-set win, 25-13, 25-10, 25-16, in the first match of the PNVF International Challenge.
The strong performance put up by the Thais on Saturday night only proved why they are currently the strongest team in Southeast Asia.
Ajcharaporn Kongyot, who notched eight points against the Filipina spikers, claimed that the Philippine women’s national volleyball team must get more runs and compete in more tournaments in order to gain experience and be able to play at a higher level moving forward.
“The Philippine players have to practice to improve at a high level in every skill. Just try to do more challenges for themselves,” said the 26-year-old outside hitter with the help of a translator.
By having a well-established program in place, Thailand has emerged as a powerhouse team in the Southeast Asian region for the past decade. They recently capped another successful title defense with their 13th straight gold medal finish in the 31st Southeast Asian Games.
In the VNL, Danai Sriwacharamaytakul’s squad also pulled off a stunning five-set win against the no. 2 ranked team in China back in Week 1 held in Turkey.
Even though her team cruised to an easy win over the Philippines, Kongyot only had good words to say for the home team moments after their game at Filoil Flying V Centre.
She bared that the exhibition match will benefit both squads to gain more experience and find ways to improve their level of play.
“The Philippine players did their best to improve themselves and they are so friendly,” she said.
“Good game for the Philippines because Thailand has played the Philippines many times. It helped us improve ourselves in terms of Southeast Asia volleyball and for the Philippines to improve themselves also.”
Above all, the long-time national team member of Thailand claimed that she appreciated the warm hospitality of Filipino volleyball fans after playing in her first match in Manila since arriving last Tuesday.
“We like Philippine fans and we know how they really support us,” she continued.
Heading to their Week 2 campaign in the Manila Leg of the VNL, Kongyot stressed that her team will be ready to play at their best as they go up against Canada on Tuesday afternoon. The Thais are currently sitting at the seventh spot of the standings with a 3-1 record.
“For Canada, the Thailand team will do our best. From the first game until our last game, we will do our best.”
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