Japan downs Thailand to win AVC gold

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

BIÑAN, Laguna—Japan overcame a two-set deficit and humbled Thailand, 26-28, 20-25, 25-16, 25-16, 15-7, to take the gold medal in the AVC Asian Senior Women’s Volleyball Championship Thursday at Alonte Sports Arena here.

Koyomi Tominaga dealt the title-winning blow as it glanced off the block of Thailand and ended Japan’s 10-year championship drought.

Tournament MVP Risa Shinnabe put up a game-high 19 points, going on 17-of-33 in spike attempts, to lead Japan while Mami Uchiseto added 18.

Japan captain Nana Iwasaka and Yurie Nabeya also finished in double digits with 13 and 11 points, respectively.

Thailand had three players lead the team in scoring with Pimpichaya Kokram, Ajcharaporn Kongyot, and Chatchu-on Moksri each tallying 17 points.