On the back of a strong overall performance, the Philippine Women’s National Volleyball team accomplished their immediate goal, zapping Hong Kong in straight sets, 25-21, 25-16, 25-17, in Pool A of the Asian Senior Women’s Championship at the Alonte Sports Arena.
The host squad contended with a strong opening rally from Hong Kong. The Philippines’ hard hitting duo of Alyssa Valdez and Jaja Santiago kept the Philippines ahead in the first set. With Hong Kong coming within two points of the Philippines, Santiago turned in back-to-back points to help the Nationals regain a 24-19 cushion. Valdez then capped the frame with a booming off-the-block hit.
Guimaras-native Jovelyn Gonzaga then starred in the second frame, pitching in five points in the set alone. One of Gonzaga’s sharp crosscourt kills gave the Philippines an insurmountable 21-14 edge.
By the third set, the Philippines was in an unstoppable offensive groove. With Jaja Santiago flaunting her six-foot-five frame, the Philippines raced to a 19-10 advantage and never looked back.
“That’s the goal naman; three-set win, ang ganda ng resulta. Nagkaroon ng bunga ‘yung pagpunta namin sa Japan, although we need to practice more on some departments ng paglalaro,” said National Team head coach Francis Vicente.
Alyssa Valdez tallied 14 points off 13-for-21 spiking while Jaja Santiago added 13.
The win elevates the Philippines to a 1-0 record in Group A. They face Kazakhstan on Friday, 5:30 pm, in their last match before moving on to the next round.
The Scores
Philippines (3) – Valdez 14, Santiago 13, Fajardo 7, Molina 7, Reyes 6, Gonzaga 5, Pontillas 5, Maraño 1, Ortiz 1, Casugod 0, Dimaculangan 0, Dy 0, Lazaro (L), Macandili (L)
Hong Kong (0) – Chim 7, Cheung 6, Ip 5, To 4, Tsang 3, Yeung 3, Fung 2 Lam 1, Yu 0, Tsui (L)
