Philippines whips Hong Kong in AVC opener

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

BIÑAN, Laguna—The Philippines launched an offensive masterpiece and dismantled Hong Kong, 25-21, 25-16, 25-17, to open its group stage campaign in the AVC Asian Senior Women’s Volleyball Championship Wednesday at Alonte Sports Arena here.

The hosts took the top spot in the three-team Pool A with a 1-0 record and another win for the Filipinos will put them in the quarterfinals.

Maika Ortiz finished things off for the Philippines with a down-the-line kill in a game that head coach Francis Vicente foresaw as a victory.

“Not that I’m bragging but I expected to win today,” said Vicente in Filipino. “But I want to see more from my players. I want to push them so they exceed expectations.”

The Philippines did outscore Hong Kong in spikes, 50-25,  but the hosts also gave away 23 free points due to errors.

Vicente added some of his players did experience jitters like Kianna Dy and Gen Casugod, but the head coach was still pleased with how the two helped the team in the bigger picture.

“That’s normal, we can’t do anything about it even if we’re put in that situation we would feel nervous also,” said Vicente. “We’re all humans, but the important thing is that they delivered and all those nerves will disappear in the long run.”

Alyssa Valdez and Jaja Santiago were the Philippines’ two-headed monster as the duo put up 14 and 13 points, respectively.

Kim Fajardo also did some dirty work with seven points to go along her 39 excellent sets.

Chim Wing Lam led Hong Kong with seven.