THE United States wound up unbeaten in the Quezon City leg of the Volleyball Nations League (VNL) but was forced to give up a set by an inspired Thailand side on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Thais gave the Americans a scare in a 17-25, 25-13, 25-23, 25-18 loss but earned enough bragging rights for putting a stain on the Olympic champion’s Philippine campaign.
“All the teams are incredible, we can’t take anything for granted,” US top player Ali Frantti said. “It’s going to be a battle. It’s going to be a grind each day.”
“It’s going to be harder and harder. I think all the competition is good. You know, we will take it one day at a time and focus on what’s next,” added Franti, who scored 27 points with two blocks and 10 digs for the Americans, whose 7-1 won-lost record for 21 points moved them closer to a spot in next month’s Finals in Ankara, Turkey.
Kelsey Robinson had 11 points, 16 digs and seven receptions, middle blockers Chiaka Ogbogu and Anna Stevenson scored 10 points each and libero Justine Wong-Orantes collected 16 points for the US.
One of the crowd favorites, Frantti was delighted with the reception she and the Americans received from the almost 5,000 fans at the Big Dome on Sunday.
The US beat Bulgaria, Poland and China earlier in the week in straight sets.
The Thais only had a win to show for a 4-4 card in the Quezon City leg that has Mikasa, Ganten, Gerflor and Senoh as global sponsors and global suppliers, PLDT Home as presenting partner, Rebisco, MG Philippines, TOP Speed Insurance, Asics and Maynilad as official sponsors, Havas Ortega, The Look Company, Summit Outdoor Media, Marketing Media Ventures, Strong Media Advertising Solutions. 91.5 Win Radio, Philippine Olympic Committee, Philippine Sports Commission, City of Taguig, Quezon City and F2 Logistics as official suppliers.
Belgium beat Bulgaria, 25-22, 25-23, 20-25, 20-25, 17-15, in a thrilling five-setter earlier on Sunday.
Britt Herbots had a 26-point outing for Belgium which stayed outside the relegation zone with its second straight victory and third overall in eight matches.
Image credits: NONIE REYES