AMMAN, Jordan — The Philippines stunned Iran with a 25-21, 25-22, 25-22 victory to move on to the next round of the 2nd AVC Asian Women’s U16 Volleyball Championship on Sunday at Princess Sumaya Hall.
The Philippines turned to its team captain Xyz Rayco, who stood tall with 13 points built on nine kills, three blocks, and an ace to bounce back from a four-set loss to defending champion Japan on opening day.
Rayco took matters into her own hands, putting on the finishing touches in the last two sets.
“I’m really happy because we didn’t expect this. Iran is such a strong team, but we still found a way to win,” Rayco said.
“We just kept a positive mindset on the court. Whatever we could do, we gave it our all.”
Madele Gale also stepped up with nine points including the game-winning joust that sent the Filipinos onto the next round, facing either the top seed of second seed of Pool D, depending on the result of the Japan-Iran match on Monday.
Iran fell to a do-or-die game against Japan amid the 12-point effort of Bani Bogari Aynaz.
Meanwhile, Thailand and Chinese Taipei entered the next round after sweeping separate foes for identical 2-0 records.
Thailand continued to dominate its opponents in Pool D with a 25-7, 25-12, 25-10 rout of India to stay unbeaten in two games.
A day after sweeping Australia, Thai coach Jarun Niemtuptim had another chance to field all of his players, with Thanyarat Donseenet leading the onslaught this time.
Thanyarat scored eight of her 12 points in the first set to set the tone of their 67-minute sweep before facing Chinese Taipei on Monday at 3:30 (Jordan time).
“I was happy and so proud of my team and myself, and this win gave us a chance to advance to the next round,” said Thanyarat. “I hope that our team’s block would work [against Chinese Taipei] and our offense would work so we could win the game.”
Phitchayada Kunrat chipped in 10 points. Umarin Kaewkalong had eight points, while Chayanut Inthanoo and Chamikon Cankawe added seven each.
Meanwhile, Chen Ting-Yi and Chang Yun-Chen delivered 10 points each, as Chinese Taipei eliminated Australia from contention, 25-19, 25-15, 25-14.
“It’s my first game, so I was a little nervous, so I need to get used to the environment and hope the next game, I will be better,” said Chen as they take on Thailand.
Hsu Ya-Ping also stepped up with nine points to send Australia to a 0-2 record and to the classification phase.
Devaki Amit Rawat was the top scorer of India with four points after sliding to a 0-2 record.
India and Australia clash for the first win on Monday at 1 p.m.