China, Korea advance to AVC semis

China vs Kazakhstan in the AVC Asian Senior Women’s Volleyball Championship. Photo from asianvolleyball.net

BIÑAN, Laguna—China and Korea locked up their respective seats in the semifinal stage of the AVC Asian Senior Women’s Volleyball Championship Tuesday at Alonte Sports Arena here.

Both Asian powers swept their quarterfinals opponents with China, the no. 1 team in the world, taking down Kazakhstan 25-16, 34-32, 25-23, in the first game.

Although this isn’t China’s main team, the Chinese showed their class in handling the world’s 21st-ranked squad.

Jin Ye put up 20 points to lead China while captain Liu Meng Ya and Cai Xiao Qing adding 15 and 13 points, respectively.

Katerina Tatko had 15 points to pace the Kazakhs.

Korean team in the AVC Asian Senior Women’s Volleyball Championship. Photo from asianvolleyball.net

In the second game, Korea blasted Chinese-Taipei 25-20, 25-11, 28-26, to secure its semifinals spot.

Skipper Kim Yeon-koung led the 10th-ranked team in the world with 17 points while Park Jeongah added 16.

Kim Heejin and Kim Suji also finished in double-digits with 12 and 10 points, respectively.

Chang Li-Yun had 12 points to lead Chinese Taipei, the no. 55 team in the world.

China will face the winner between Japan and Vietnam while Korea will wait for either Thailand or the Philippines.