SEA Games: PH volleybelles in semis, eye crucial win vs Vietnam

KUALA LUMPUR—The Philippine women’s volleyball team forged a masterful 25-18, 25-11, 25-16 victory over host Malaysia Thursday and head coach Francis Vicente is hoping that a pretournament prediction will hold true.

Word going arount at MITEC Hall 11 is that people are expecting the Philippines and world power Thailand to duke it out for the crown.

There is a prediction that it’s going to be a Thailand versus Philippines in the finals.

The first step to that direction is a win over Vietnam in the semifinals, to put the Philippines out of the Thais’ path in the semifinals.

“Whatever happens the important thing is we avoid the No. 1 team in the other group,” said Vicente. A win over Vietnam on Friday will help in that goal.

Jaja Santiago on the attack. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO/POOL

The Philippine drubbed Vietnam during the Asian Championships last week in Biñan, Laguna.

“Vietnam will put up the same team but of course we [have to be] prepared because for sure they will make adjustments,” said Vicente.

Jaja Santiago towered over the opposition, banging in 13 points to lead the Philippines. Aby Marano added 11 markers while bringing in the energy for the Philippines, which started slowly before entertaining the large Filipino crowd that came to watch the game.

Malaysian leaned on middle blocker Low Meng Cing who scored 15 points.

Jovelyn Gonzaga scored nine points, Alyssa Valdez had eight, while Kim Fajardo and Aiza Pontillas chipped in six each for the Filipinos.