Thailand beats Canada in 3 sets in VNL opener

THAILAND overcame a stiff challenge from Canada in the third set to carve out a 25-19, 25-22, 26-24 win for a successful Week 2 start of the Volleyball Nations League on Tuesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Pimpichaya Kokram came through with 20 points on 19-of-34 attacks while Chatchu-On Moksri had two service aces to finish with 17 points and went 15-of-29 spikes for the Thais.

Improving its record to 4-1, Thailand was able to buck the loss of middle blocker Thatdao Nuekjang, who suffered an injury in the opening week in Ankara, Turkey, with Hattaya Bamrungsuk taking charge in the frontline.

“We play the best that we can. We will try our best,” said Pimpichaya through an interpreter.

Emily Maglio’s back-to-back kills forced the match’s last deadlock at 24-24, but the Canadians were not able to catch a break when needed.

Canada’s net fault…