Rexona-Sesc fends off spirited Bangkok Glass

Rexona-Sesc Rio vs Bangkok Glass. INQUIRER Photo/Sherwin Vardeleon

Rexona-Sesc Rio started its bid for the fifth place in the FIVB Women’s Club World Championship with a sweep of Bangkok Glass, 25-19, 25-15, 25-20, in the classification stages Saturday at Mall of Asia Arena.

But it wasn’t a stroll in the park for the South American champions as the Thai club put on a great showing in the third set clawing back from a 20-8 deficit and cutting it down to four, 24-20.

Drusylla Costa, though, ended Bangkok Glass’ upset bid for the victory.

Outside hitter Gabi was impressed with how Bangkok Glass set up defensively, making it hard for them to close out immediately.

“It was a hard game, and the Thai team has a really good defense,” said Gabi whose team remains in contention for the fifth spot in the tournament. “Thailand started to get the power in the third set and we did a lot of mistakes.”

Monique led Rexona-Sesc with 13 points while Anne Bujis added nine points.

Gabi and Carolina Da Silva had seven points apiece for the South American continental champions.

Wilavan Apinyapong led Bangkok Glass with 10 points.