JAKARTA, Indonesia – Thailand trounced the Philippine women’s volleyball team in straight sets, 25-22, 25-12, 25-15, in its opening game in the 2018 Asian Games on Sunday, August 19 at the GBK Volley Indoor Stadium. 

The Filipinas failed to sustain their strong start in the opening frame – where they even led in several stretches – as the Thais took full control in the final two sets.

Alyssa Valdez paced the Nationals with 7 points, while Jaja Santiago and Kim Kianna Dy finished with 6 points each.

Skippered by Aby Maraño, the Philippines opened the game leading by as much as 6 points in the first set. Thailand later unleashed a 6-0 run to take the lead by the second technical timeout, 16-15.

The Nationals again grabbed the advantage and stretched it to 19-16, but the Thais rallied back to take the opening set. 

Thailand held control the entire second set as it pulled away by 10 points after Chatchu-On Moksri’spike, 21-11. Thatdao Nuekjang continued to pounce as she closed out the second set in favor of Thailand. 

Moksri led Thailand with a game-high 15 points.

The Philippines will face Japan on Tuesday, August 21, 4:30pm (5:30, Manila time) at the Bulungan Hall.

– Rappler.com