SCHEDULE: Alas Pilipinas at the AVC Challenge Cup 2024
Kazakhstan captain Sana Anarkulova during their AVC Challenge Cup 2024 game against Hong Kong. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — Kazakhstan captain Sana Anarkulova fired 22 points to blast Hong Kong, 25-17, 25-18, 25-4, and earn the last semifinal ticket in Pool B to force a do-or-die match against Alas Pilipinas in the AVC Challenge Cup 2024 on a rainy Sunday at Rizal Memorial Coliseum.
With the Kazakhs fighting for the last semis berth in their group, Anarkulova took matters into her own hands nailing 19 of her 32 attack attempts on top of two blocks and an ace.
“This is a very serious game. It’s the last chance [for us] to go to the semifinals. We understood that and we needed to win,” said the Kazakh veteran spiker.
Zhanna Syroyeshkina delivered 16 points, while middle blockers Yuliya Yakimova and Kristina Anikonova chipped in seven points each to finish second in Pool B, winning three of their four matches.
Anarkulova is looking forward to their semis game against the Alas Pilipinas on Tuesday in front of the home crowd, which she describes as “very good and fun” people.
“The Philippine team is every time a strong team because if I remember [the] last time we played, we won in five sets. I think it’ll be interesting,” said Anarkulova, referring to their 25-21, 17-25, 24-26, 27-25, 15-6 win over the squad composed of the National University core last year in the Asian Women’s Volleyball Championship in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand.
Hong Kong, which banked on Wing Lam Chim’s 10-point effort, is relegated to the battle for fifth to eighth places after finishing with a 2-2 record in Pool B.
Vietnam sweeps pool B
FILE–Vietnam in the AVC Challenge Cup 2024 pool stage. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIREr.net
Meanwhile, defending champion Vietnam completed a four-game sweep of Pool B after overcoming Indonesia, 25-17, 25-15, 25-27, 25-13, with Vi Thi Nhu Quynh dropping 26 points.
“The coaching staff used a different rotation today. It is to ensure everyone is involved and ensure everyone is ready to go when the time comes,” said Quynh, who tallied 23 kills, two aces, and a block.
“Before every match, the coaching staff looks at the opposition and has different tactics for each opposition. I’m sure that the coaching staff will do the same thing in scouting the opposition and make sure that we have the best possible formation.”
Tran Tu Linh was also instrumental for Vietnam with 11 points, as Nguyen Thi Bich Truyen and Nguyen Thi Tra My added 10 points each.
Junaida Santi and Bela Sabrina Agustina carried Indonesia with 24 and 21 points, respectively, only to finish the preliminaries with a 1-3 record, relegated to the classification round.
Vietnam battles Australia, which eliminated Iran, 26-24, 25-23, 25-27, 31-29, in the knockout semis.
With the Iranians putting up a gallant stand against the Volleyroos, Alas already clinched the top seed in Pool A regardless of the result of its ongoing match against Chinese Taipei.