PHL gives Thailand scare in AVC Cup for Women

THE Philippines stole one set to Southeast Asian queen Thailand before dropping a 18-25, 25-23, 20-25, 9-25, to miss the semifinals bus of the Asian Volleyball Confederation Cup for Women Saturday night before 5,200 fans at the PhilSports Arena.

Jema Galanza’s set-clinching kill allowed the hosts to level with the Thais in the second set, giving coach Sherwin Meneses’ side a chance to pull off a reversal.

Sensing trouble, Thailand made a major adjustment in the third set by putting in Thanacha Sooksod to join forces with Chatchu-on Moksri and Pimpichaya Kokram and worked wonders to take a 2-1 set advantage and never looked back.

 Meneses was not surprised with the Thais’ move.

“Thailand has one system.  Whoever enters the match will really contribute. The  breaks went their way in the third set. But we are still happy that we gave them a good fight,”…