THE Philippines disposed of a budding South Korea side, 25-18, 25-13, 25-17, on Thursday to go 2-2 won-lost in Pool A and into the quarterfinals of the Asian Volleyball Confederation Cup for Women at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.
Tots Carlos mesmerized the boisterous and supportive crowd with 12 points with two blocks, and Jema Galanza charmed with 11 kills as the hosts braced for a tougher quarterfinal phase of the event organized by the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF).
After losing to China and Vietnam, the nationals won two straight over teams that traditionally lorded over any Philippine team in the past.
“These two wins are amazing for Philippine volleyball, it’s history—beating Iran and Korea for the last 30 years or more,” PNVF president Ramon “Tats” Suzara said.
Coach Sherwin Meneses, who was part of the coaching staff of the national men’s team which bagged a historic silver medal in the 30th Southeast Asian Games in 2019, was delighted with the accomplishment in the continental tournament.
“We’re 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 will face familiar foe Thailand, which finished second in Pool B, in the quarterfinal round on Saturday. Friday is rest day.
Regardless of the outcome, the national women’s team is assured of surpassing its ninth-place finish in the 2018 edition in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand.
Ced Domingo had three blocks for a nine-point outing, while Michele Gumabao had three of her seven points on blocks.
Meneses drew contributions from the reserves as national team debutants Lorie Bernardo, Pau Soriano and Rose Vargas combined for seven points.
Bernardo fired two aces, the same output Domingo had from the service area.
The loss was the fourth straight for the Koreans, who wound up ninth place in the tournament.
Kim Seyul led 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.