As part of the buildup to its title-retention bid in the Southeast Asian Games, the Thailand Women’s National Volleyball Team has turned its ASEAN Grand Prix campaign into a declaration.
The Thais completed a massive sweep of the second leg of the regional meet, flaunting their might against cellar-dwelling Vietnam, 25-21, 25-12, 25-11, to firm up their position on the throne, Sunday at the Sta. Rosa Multi-Purpose Sports Complex.
Following a tough tussle in the match opener, the queens of Southeast Asia — who reigned over the biennial regional tournament — kicked their offense into gear. They then throttled the Vietnamese in the succeeding frames en route to the crown.
Malika Kanthong top-billed with 13 points, pouring in four of which from the service area. Wanitchaya Luangtonglang — who has played as a reinforcement in the semi-pro league in the Philippines — supplied 12 markers for Thailand.
Pleumjit Thinkaow also had 12 points spiked by three kill blocks to make a strong case for the Best Middle Blocker award.
Thai captain Onuma Sittirak, the reigning Most Valuable Player in the opening leg, managed five markers laced with eight excellent receptions.
Contrary to Thailand’s stellar stint, the Vietnamese have had a difficult time chalking a win up for their country. They ended without a single victory to finish dead last in the second leg of the regional meet.
Thi Kieu Trinh Hoang continued to carry the scoring cudgels for Vietnam, which missed the service of skipper and main hitter Thi Thanh Thuy Tran, who’s in the Land of the Rising Sun for the Japan V. Premiere league.
