Members of South Korea team in the AVC Cup for Women. –CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — South Korea is bracing for the troika of Tots Carlos, Jema Galanza, and Michele Gumabao in its crucial match against the Philippine women’s volleyball team in the AVC Cup on Thursday at PhilSports Arena.
The young Korean team, composed of high school players, absorbed its third straight loss in Pool A after falling to Vietnam, which rested star spiker Tran Thi Thanh Thuy, 25-13, 25-13, 25-16, on Wednesday.
Korean skipper Hwang Jimin, who scored five points in another defeat, said she watched how the Filipinos fought hard against defending champion China.
“We’ve seen them play and they played well against the other team. Our goal for tomorrow is to at least to win against the Philippine team,” said Hwang through an interpreter.
Hoping to reach the quarterfinals and avoid a last place finish, South Korea plants to neutralize Creamline’s trio Carlos, who scored 15 points against China, and Michele Gumabao and Jema Galanza dropping 11 each.
“We have to focus on their wing players,” Hwang said.
Vietnam secured at least the No.2 seed heading to the quarterfinals after Nguyen Thi Uyen delivered their third win in four games with 13 points, including two blocks, while Ly Thi Luyen nailed four blocks to finish with 10 points.
Choi Hosun led Korea with eight points, while substitute Kim Seyul had seven markers in the last two sets.
THAILAND WINS
Thailand vs Chinese Taipei in the AVC Cup. –CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
Meanwhile, Thailand finished 2-1 in Pool B after sweeping Chinese Taipei, 25-20 25-18, 25-16.
Chatchu-on Moksri poured seven of her 16 points, while Pimpichaya Kokram had 11 markers as the Thais secured at least the second seed, heading to the quarterfinals.
Japan (2-0) tries to sweep the group against winless Australia (0-2) on Thursday.
Chinese Taipei finished 1-2 in the group Kan Ko-Hui and Wu Fang-Yu led the Taiwanese with eight points each.