Iran vs South Korea in the AVC Cup for Women. –CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — Iran kicked off its AVC Cup campaign with a dominant 25-10, 25-15, 25-13 victory over the young South Korean team on Monday at PhilSports Arena.
Aytak Salamatharamaleki led the charge for the Iranians, scattering seven attacks, two blocks, and two service aces to finish with 11 while Elahe Poor Saleh Shadehsari had 10 markers, including two blocks to win their first game in Pool A.
Iran tallied nine blocks. But coach Alessandra Kampedelli believes his wards can still show even better net defense in their upcoming games, including their match against Vietnam on Tuesday.
“We have to improve a lot of things. I think that from today, we need to improve on blocking,” said Kampedelli. “If we are good in block, maybe we can play even against other stronger teams.”
“We are here to make a great experience. We are here that we want to show that even Iran can improve,” she added.
South Korea, which fielded high school players, suffered its second straight loss as nobody scored in double figures anew with Choi Hosun leading the charge with five points.
Thailand in the AVC Cup for Women. –CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
Meanwhile, Thailand vented its ire on Australia, 25-9, 27-25, 25-13, to enter the win column in Pool B.
Pimpichaya Kokram scored eight of her 16 points in the opening set, almost single-handedly outscoring the Volleyroos in the frame.
Watchareeya Nuanjam and Chatchu-on Moksri chimed in with nine points each as the Thais improved to 1-1, bouncing back from a three-set loss to Japan on Sunday.
“We don’t know about the Australian game. We don’t know about them, about the spikers,” said setter Pornpun Guedpard. “We had to talk about how to play the system of the Thailand team first. Thai first everything today, that’s why we win.”
Caitlin Tippin had 11 points as Australia fielded a young team in their first international competition in more than two and a half years only having returnees from the 2018 AVC Cup.
“We got 11 new girls. It’s a big learning tournament for us, getting used to each other. We are so happy to be out getting together. It’s really exciting for us. It’s awesome to be in the Philippines,” said Volleyroos captain Lean Kelly.
Thailand will take a break on Tuesday before capping its Pool B stint on Wednesday against Chinese-Taipei (0-1), which Australia will face on Tuesday at 1 p.m.