MANILA, Philippines — South Korea sustained its charge with a 25-16, 25-18, 25-22 victory over Alas Pilipinas on Tuesday, leaving the home squad clinging to slim hopes in the Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Women’s Volleyball Cup at the Candon City Arena.
Sohwi Kang had 19 points on 15 attacks, three service aces as the Koreans notched their third consecutive straight-sets win.
Juah Lee had 12 points, delivering five of South Korea’s seven blocks, while Hyunsoo Na also scored 12 on 10 attacks and two aces.
Alas Pilipinas absorbed its second loss in four matches in the 12-nation tournament presented by the Philippine Sports Commission and the City of Candon headed by Mayor Eric D. Singson.
Thea Gagate paced the Filipinas with nine points on five attacks, three blocks and a service ace, Nina Ytang had eight points on seven attacks and a block, while skipper Alyssa Valdez and Alyssa Solomon contributed seven points each.
Chinese Taipei improved to 3-0 after routing Uzbekistan, 25-17, 25-13, 25-19 for second spot in Pool A.
Australia, which dealt Alas Pilipinas its first loss, looks to improve its 1-1 record when it takes on winless Kyrgyzstan.
Alas Pilipinas needs a big win over Chinese Taipei, although its semifinal hopes also hinge on the results of Korea and Australia.
Valdez vowed to continue fighting.
“We will give our best. We have learned a lot and we will face the fight with all our heart,” Valdez said.
Iran beat Lebanon, 25-9, 25-8, 25-15, for a 1-2 record in Pool B. Lebanon is winless in three matches. TMT