Thailand overcame a stiff challenge from Canada in the third set to carve out a 25-19, 25-22, 26-24 win for a successful Week 2 start of the Volleyball Nations League on Tuesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Pimpichaya Kokram came through with 20 points on 19-of-34 attacks while Chatchu-On Moksri had two service aces to finish with 17 points and went 15-of-29 spikes for the Thais.
Improving its record to 4-1, Thailand was able to buck the loss of middle blocker Thatdao Nuekjang, who suffered an injury in the opening week in Ankara, Turkey, with Hattaya Bamrungsuk taking charge in the frontline.
“We play the best that we can. We will try our best,” said Pimpichaya through an interpreter.
Emily Maglio’s back-to-back kills forced the match’s last deadlock at 24-24, but the Canadians were not able to catch a break when needed.
Canada’s net fault challenge was proved unsuccessful that put Thailand at match point before an attack error ended the one-hour, 21-minute contest.
The Canadians committed 27 errors compared to the Thais’ 11.
“I think we were disappointed what we what showed up today,” said Alexa Grey, who finished with 13 points.
Kiera Van Ryk scored 20 points, including nine in the third set, while Maglio added eight markers for Canada, which fell to 2-3
Tokyo Olympics gold medalist and reigning VNL champions United States will make its debut at 3 p.m. Wednesday against Bulgaria at the Big Dome.
Setter Micha Hancock, libero Justine Wong-Orantes, outside hitter Kelsey Robinson and middle blockers Chiaka Ogbogu and Haleigh Washington are the 2020 gold medalists on the roster, as opposite spikers Annie Drews and Jordan Thompson, who both competed in Shreveport in Week 1, were not fielded in.
China, now ranked No. 3 in the latest women’s world rankings, plays Belgium at 7 p.m. in the 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.