Team PH outlasts Vietnam, faces Thailand in quarterfinals

MANILA, Philippines – (UPDATED) In a preview of their showdown in the Southeast Asian Games next week, Team Philippines and Vietnam engaged in a heated volleyball battle in the 19th AVC Asian Senior Women's Volleyball Championship in Biñan, Laguna on Monday evening.

When the dust settled, the Filipinas pulled off a stunning 27-25, 26-24, 17-25, 25-23 victory over their regional rivals to secure the third seed in Pool E, and set up a quarterfinals showdown with powerhouse Thailand.

Team Philippines stunned Vietnam, the silver medalist in the 2015 SEA Games. Richard Esguerra, ABS-CBN Sports

Alyssa Valdez had her highest scoring game of the tournament, tallying 20 points while proving to be a clutch performer anew for the Philippines. Jaja Santiago added 19 points, while Dawn Macandili turned in a superb defensive job with 19 excellent digs and 12 successful receptions.

Also coming through with a solid performance was Abigail Maraño, who had 11 points. Maika Ortiz contributed eight markers, and had the unenviable job of checking Vietnam's towering Thuy Tran Thi Thanh throughout the game.

"Ang gusto lang talaga namin in today's game is to really show Vietnam that we've improved on everything – lahat, from defense to offense," said Valdez. "At saka 'yung teamwork namin talaga, I think 'yun ang focus namin."

Author: Camille B. Naredo, ABS-CBN News
Full Article: http://news.abs-cbn.com/sports/08/14/17/team-ph-outlasts-vietnam-faces-thailand-in-quarterfinals