Thailand played true to form to book a 25-13, 25-10, 25-16 cruise of a victory over the Philippine women’s team in the in the Philippine National Volleyball Federation International Challenge on Saturday.
A good-sized crowd showed up at the Filoil Flying V Centre to watch the Thai brand of world-class performance against the Filipinas in the exhibition match ahead of Week 2 of the Volleyball Nations League set to kick off Tuesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
“It was a good game because we have to practice before VNL,” Thailand outside hitter Ajacharporn Kongyot said through an interpreter.
Thailand arrived in the country on Tuesday fresh off a stunning five-set win over World No. 2 China in the VNL’s opening week in Ankara, Turkey.
Pimpichaya Kokram finished with 15 points on 13 of 20 attacks, Sasipapron Janthawisut scored 13 points on 12 of 24 spikes, while Ajcharaporn chipped in eight points for the Thais.
The Philippines will wrap up its two-match friendlies against Asian power Japan at 4 p.m. on Sunday at the San Juan venue.
Thailand will first play Canada on opening day of VNL Week 2 at 3 p.m. on Tuesday.
The middles took the scoring mantle for the home team with Aby Maraño producing six kills and Dell Palomata contributing five points.
Tots Carlos and Aduke Ogunsanya made their national team debut and scored two points and a kill, respectively.
“We wanted to show our best,” Philippine coach Jorge Edson Souza de Brito said. “I hope we will be okay tomorrow (against Japan). We will play for four sets.”
Coming off a perfect 4-0 record in Shreveport-Bossier City in the US, the Japanese will have new team captain Sarina Koga and Arisa Inoue in tow in the VNL event 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, The Philippine Star, Philippine Daily Inquirer, 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.
Tickets for the June 14 to 19 women’s leg at the Big Dome are available at ticketnet.com.ph.