Jia de Guzman tries to keep the ball in play for the Philippines against South Korea. AVC photo
Pinays sweep Koreans to reach q’finals
The Philippines continued its solid showing in the AVC Cup for Women after a 25-18, 25-13, 25-17 win over South Korea that gave the host a place in the quarterfinals last night at the Philsports Arena.
Coach Sherwin Meneses, who was part of the coaching staff of the national men’s volleyball team which bagged the historic silver medal in the 30th Southeast Asian Games in 2019, was delighted with the country’s accomplishment in the continental tournament.
“We are so happy that we made it to the quarterfinals. Hopefully, we could have a better performance in the next round. We will try our very best,” said Meneses, who recently steered Creamline to a Premier Volleyball League title two weeks ago.
The Philippines finished with a 2-2 record in third place and will face a Southeast Asian rival Thailand, which finished second in Pool B, in the quarterfinal round on tomorrow.
Regardless of the outcome, the national women’s team is assured of surpassing its ninth place finish in the 2018 edition held in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand.
“These two wins are amazing for Philippine volleyball, it’s history—beating Iran and Korea for the last 30 years or more,” said Philippine National Volleyball Federation president Ramon “Tats” Suzara.
Tots Carlos came through with 12 points, including two blocks, while Jema Galanza had 11 kills as the hosts ended their Pool A campaign with a 2-2 record in third place.
Ced Domingo had three blocks and two service aces for a nine-point outing, while Michele Gumabao had three of her seven points from blocks.
National team debutants Lorie Bernardo, Pau Soriano and Rose Vargas were also solid, teaming up for seven points.
Bernardo fired two aces in the service area.
The loss – the fourth straight – ended the Koreans campaign as they finished in ninth place.
Kim Seyul led the way for South Korea with nine points while Hwang Jimin scored eight points.
The other quarterfinal pairings pit Pool A’s No. 1 China against Pool B’s No. 4 Australia, Pool A’s No. 2 Vietnam opposite Pool B’s No. 3 Chinese-Taipei and Pool A’s No. 4 Iran versus Pool B’s No. 1 Japan.
