AMMAN, Jordan — Defending champion Japan and Chinese Taipei barged into the 2nd AVC Asian Women’s U16 Volleyball Championship Final Four after sweeping separate foes to stay unbeaten on Wednesday at the Prince Hamzah Sports Hall here.
Japan and Chinese Taipei already sealed their entry to the semifinals after beating Thailand and the Philippines, respectively, for identical 2-0 records in Pool F.
Both teams also secured spots in next year’s FIVB Volleyball Girls’ U17 World Championship in August in Chile as top four finishers in the Asian U16 tournament.
They will clash for the top seed in their group on Thursday at 1:30 p.m. before heading to the knockout semis.
Japan dominated Thailand, 25-19, 25-16, 25-19, behind the trio of Ren Sugimoto, Rina Hayasaka, and Miko Takahashi
Sugimoto was nearly unstoppable with 15 points, all from attacks. Hayasaka fired nine kills and four aces to finish 13 points, while Takahashi added 12.
Libero Haayu Ono, the top receiver and digger of the tournament so far, embraces her crucial role for the defending champions.
“We played against a team that has big players so we focused on defense,” said Ono. “[In this tournament], there are many strong attackers, so I want to focus defense to get points for my team.”
Chamikon Cankawe was the lone double-digit scorer for Thailand with 15 points.
Chinese Taipei continued its dominant run, overpowering a gritty Alas Pilipinas squad, 25-14, 25-21, 25-15.
Chinese Taipei’s offense was led by Chan Tzu-Yun, who fired 18 points, while Chang Yun-Chen added 17 markers. After a quiet start, Chen Ting-Yi came alive in the third set to finish with 12 points, helping the team close out the match in straight sets.
“For Team Philippines, it was a little difficult to win,” said Chan through a translator.
“The team Japan is the defending champion. But we will do our best.”
Xyz Rayco led Alas Pilipinas with 12 points, while Nadeth Herbon supported her with 11 points.
Philippines and Thailand face off at 11 a.m. also on Thursday before heading to the classification round for 5th to 8th places.