The Petron-PSL All-Stars turned a suspected rout into a interesting tiff, starting strong but eventually succumbing to world-class Thai club, Bangkok Glass 25-23, 11-25, 16-25, 9-25 in the Thai-Denmark Super League held at the MCC Hall in Bangkok, Thailand.
The Pinays socked their slumbering foes in the early goings. With Jen Reyes providing topnotch defense and attackers getting their placement shots to work, Petron-PSL strutted to a 12-6 lead in the opening set. Following a timeout, Bangkok Glass got their offense going. The Thais stalked the All-Stars then rattled off five straight points highlighted by back-to-back kills from import American import Joanne Scott that forced a 16-all tie. Just when it seemed Bangkok Glass was prepared to take over, the Nationals caught a break. A slew of attack errors pulled the All-Stars ahead 19-17.
Like Katipuneros of the olden days, the Pinays held their fort down the stretch. Bangkok Glass had trimmed the deficit down to one, 20-19, after a beautiful running hit from Pleumjit Thinakow. Maika Ortiz scored on a placement hit then helped out on a huge block on Pleumjit to forge a 22-19 advantage, forcing Bangkok to burn their last timeout. The Pinays’ offense then stalled, unable to get their open hits over Pornpun Guedpard’s block. After another Scott hit, Bangkok tied the set at 22.
From there, Philippine volleyball legend Rachel Ann Daquis took over. The FEU standout first broke the tie with a backrow roll shot, 23-22. After a Cha Cruz service ace, Daquis put the finishing touches on a long rally with a huge block on Maliwan Probarong.
The reigning AVC Club Champions, Bangkok Glass showed their true form in the following sets, lording it over the wide-eyed international neophytes of the PSL. The Thais made minced-meat of the All-Star’s serves. They also fired their own loaded serves, severely hampering the Nationals’ offense. Each set, Bangkok Glass built insurmountable early leads, allowing them to cruise to the win.
Jordanne Scott led three Bangkok Glass players in double digits with 22 points off 18 attacks and four blocks. Sutadta Chuewulim contributed 14 markers while Thai National Team stalwart Pleumjit Thinakow managed 13.
Daquis finished the match with nine markers while Aiza Maizo-Pontillas and Cha Cruz each recorded six markers.
The PSL All-Stars see action again tomorrow when they face Vietnamese club Idea Khonkaen on 5:00 p.m. local time.
The Scores:
Bangkok Glass (3) – Scott 22, Chuewulim 14, Thinkaow 13, Kortuang 10, Krause 5, Bundasak 3, Guedpard 2, Sattayanuchit 1, Monteipala 0, Probarong 0, Balee 0, Changkeaw (L)
PSL-Petron (1) – Daquis 9, Cruz 6, Maizo-Pontillas 6, Marano 5, Ortiz 5, Gumabao 3, Dimaculangan 2, Molina 2, Panaga 1, Hingpit 0, Reyes (L), Gohing (L)
*Photo taken from the SMM Sport website
