Asean Grand Prix: Philippines falls to Thailand in 3 sets

Thailand fully engaged a depleted Philippines side to score a lopsided 25-12, 25-16, 25-10 victory Saturday night and remain on target for the second leg title in the Asean Volleyball Grand Prix.

It was the Thais’ second straight win which practically sealed the second leg crown as they will battle the winless Vietnamese on Sunday at Sta. Rosa multi-purposed gym in Laguna.

Thailand also swept the competition to claim the first leg two weeks ago in Nakhon Ratchasima.

Pleumjit Thinkaow and Pimpichaya Kokram did much damage against the Philippines which missed Alyssa Valdez, Jia Morado, Jovelyn Gonzaga and Maddie Madayag.

The four Premier Volleyball League stars played for their clubs in Iloilo City, leaving the Nationals with a lean 10-man lineup.

But the FIlipinas played with the same fervor with Grethcel Soltones, Jasmine Nabor and Roselyn Doria making the most of the minutes they were given.

In the first game, Indonesia overcame a hard-fighting Vietnam, 29-27, 25-20, 23-25, 25-17 Saturday for its first win in the Asean Volleyball Grand Prix second leg at Sta. Rosa multi-purpose gym in Laguna.

After losing their opening match via straights set to first leg champions Thais, the Indonesians barged into the win column through the efforts of top spiker Purnama Arsela Nuari.

The Vietnamese managed to put up a fight after taking control of the third set but in the fourth frame lost steam, allowing the Indonesians to pull away 19-9 en route to the win.

Vietnam, which bowed to the Philippines in straight sets last Friday, is still winless since the Thai first leg two weeks ago.