Japan shakes off slow start, grounds Thailand to top Pool F

Photo from asianvolleyball.net

BIÑAN, Laguna—Japan shrugged off a first set setback to trip Thailand in four sets, 22-25, 25-20, 25-22, 26-24, in the qualification stage of the AVC Asian Senior Women’s Volleyball Championship Monday at Alonte Sports Arena.

The Japanese are now atop Pool F with a 3-0 record while Thailand is at close second with a 2-1 mark.

Sarina Koga waxed hot for Japan and put up a game-high 26 points while Risa Shinnabe and Mai Okumura added 16 and 12 points, respectively.

It was a tale of offense and defense for the two teams as Japan owned the attacking department with a 66-55 advantage in scoring spikes.

Thailand, though, had Japan’s number in the defensive end scoring 17 blocks while the Japanese managed to score on just eight.

The Thais awarded 18 free points to Japan, but none bigger than their last two that happened in the final sequence of the match that awarded Japan the victory.

Moksri Chatchu-on led Thailand with 20 points while Kongyot Ajcharaporn added 19.