AVC Cup: Vietnam pounces on Iran, Chinese Taipei rallies past Australia

MANILA, Philippines — Vietnam vented its ire on Iran, 25-17, 25-14, 25-11, for its second win in Pool A of the AVC Cup for Women Tuesday at the Philsports Arena.

Tran Thi Thanh Thuy was a consistent scorer for the Vietnamese, scoring seven points in each set to finish with 21 points. Nguyen Thi Trinh, meanwhile, had nine points.

Vietnam bounced back from a five-set loss to China on Monday and seized a 2-1 record in Pool A. It will end its group stage stint against winless South Korea (0-2) on Wednesday at 1 p.m.

Iran slid to 1-1 before facing the Philippines also on Wednesday at 7 p.m.

Mahsa Kadkhoda led the Iranians with 10 spikes as they only converted 23 kills against Vietnam’s 40 attacks.       

Meanwhile, Chinese-Taipei eked out a come-from-behind 23-25, 25-22, 27-25, 25-21, 15-6 victory over Australia for its first win in Pool B.

The Taiwanese overcame a 1-2 match deficit and Caitlin Tipping’s 28-point explosion with Kan Ko-Hui leading their comeback with 18 points.

Kan joined hands with Chen Tzu-Ya and substitute Lin Shu-Ho, who scored three of her six points in the fifth set to dominate the Volleyroos.

Team captain Chang Li-Wen was also instrumental with 15 points, while Chen added 12 as Taiwan improved to 1-1 in Pool B.

“I think the first set our service is not very strong, they had good reception,” said Chang despite their six aces in the match.  “After we got our target, our service is more strong. Maybe, in the fourth set and in the fifth set, is better.”

Chinese-Taipei will end its group stage campaign against Thailand (1-1) at 4 p.m. Wednesday, for the No. 2 ranking in Pool B.

“I think Thailand and Japan, have similar team styles,” Chang said.

Tipping carried the Volleyroos with 23 kills and five blocks. Rebecca Redgen had 11 points, while Stefanie Weiler provided five of the team’s 18 kill blocks to finish with 10 only to fall to a 0-2 record in their group.