Thailand secured its third consecutive AVC Cup for Women bronze medal following a 25-19, 26-24, 25-18 conquest of Southeast Asian rival Vietnam Sunday at the Philsports Arena.
Meeting for the second time at the fabled Pasig City venue since the 30th Southeast Asian Games in 2019, the Thais reasserted their mastery of the Vietnamese in the one-hour, 29-minute match.
Ace spikers Chatchu-on Moksri and Pimpichaya Kokram led the way for Thailand with 16 and 14 points, respectively.
Sasipapron Janthawisut and Hattaya Bamrungsuk also scored twin digits with 10 points apiece.
The Thais, who won the 2012 edition, may have fell short in their bid to end the title drought, but captain-setter Pornpun Guedpard is looking for the bigger picture as the Southeast Asian queens are preparing for next month’s Women’s World Championships.
Thailand tallied four wins in the tournament hosted by the Philippine National Volleyball Federation.
“I have to say I’m really happy. We feel great today and played wonderful volleyball,” said Guedpard, who also played in the Volleyball Nations League Quezon City leg last June.
Tran Thi Thanh Thuy, who had 29-points in Vietnam’s four-set loss to Japan in last Sunday’s semifinals, recorded nine points, while Nguyen Thi Trinh had three blocks to finish with eight points.
