Filipino fans are up for a world-class treat as Week 2 of the Volleyball Nations League (VNL) kicks off Tuesday with two explosive matches at the Smart Araneta Coliseum that’s been dressed up to conform with international flavor.
First up among the top eight women’s teams in the world are Southeast Asia queen Thailand and Canada which clash at 3 p.m. and Asian power Japan which stakes its unbeaten streak against Poland at 7 p.m.
Tokyo Olympics gold medalist and reigning VNL champions United States will make its debut at 3 p.m. on Wednesday against Bulgaria, while China, now ranked No. 3 in the latest women’s world rankings, plays Belgium at 7 p.m.
The Japanese won all their four matches in Shreveport-Bossier City in the US in Week 1, a streak they capped with a 25-22, 25-20, 25-20 win over the Americans.
“We wanted to play hard and enjoy fast sets,” said Japan’s new captain and outside hitter Sarina Koga after last Sunday’s four-set sweep of the Philippines in an exhibition match.
Just like the Japanese, the Thais, who made noise by stunning the fancied Chinese in five sets Ankara, Turkey, have a strong Filipino fan base.
Thailand outside hitter Ajacharporn Kongyot hopes to sustain the gains from her team’s 3-1 record in the opening week.
Despite the absence of injured middle blocker Thatdao Nuekjang, the Thais are ready to put up a show in their opening match against the Canadians.
“Thailand team will give its best,” said Ajcharaporn after her team’s straight-set romp of the Filipinas last Saturday.
The Poles have the same win-loss record as the Thais at 3-1 for eight points
The Canadians, on the other hand, sport a 2-2 card for six points 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.
The US and Poland were the last teams to arrive for Week 2 of the VNL which the country is hosting for the first time through the Philippine National Volleyball Federation.