Thailand, bouncing back from its opening day loss to Japan, bested Australia, 25-9, 27-25, 25-13, to enter the win column Monday in the AVC Cup for Women at the Philsports Arena.
Pimpichaya Kokram nearly matched the Volleyroos’ offensive output in the opening set, scoring eight of her 16 points to power the Thais to a straight set romp and even their record to 1-1.
“We don’t know about the Australian game. We don’t know about them, about the spikers,” said setter Pornpun Guedpard, who had a important team meeting after last Sunday’s straight set loss to the Japanese. “We had to talk about how to play the system of the Thailand team first. Thai first everything today, that’s why we win.”
Watchareeya Nuanjam scored nine points, while Chatchu-on Moksri also had nine, including two service aces, for Thailand.
The Volleyroos, who in their first international competition in more than two and a half years had only three returnees from this AVC Cup for Women edition, were led by Caitlin Tippin with 11 points.
“We got 11 new girls. It’s a big learning tournament for us, getting used to each other. We are so happy to be out getting together. It’s really exciting for us. It’s awesome to be in the Philippines,” said Australia captain Lean Kelly.
After taking a Tuesday off, the Thais will play Chinese-Taipei at 4 p.m. on Wednesday.
The Volleyroos will go up against the Taiwanese at 1 p.m. on Tuesday
