Gresik, East Java, Indonesia, June 18, 2023 – Competition at the 2023 AVC Challenge Cup for Women kicked off with hosts Indonesia sweeping Macau, China 3-0 (25-7, 25-18, 25-8) in Pool A on Sunday at the Tri Dharma Petrokimia Gresik Gymnasium.
Indonesia coach Alim Suseno reveled in taking their first victory at home.
“We’re very happy to play here in front of the crowd. We were very energized,” he said.
The home team quickly went to work, enabling chief scorers Ratri Wulandari and Megawati Hangestri Pertiwi at the wings. They also showed better passing patterns and held solid control of the middle attack.
The Indonesians showed their advantage in technical skill, and still endeavored to utilize tactical measures. Setter Arneta Putri Amelian ran the offense rather seamlessly, keeping team cohesion tight and minimizing broken or recycled plays.
But given these conditions, Indonesia continued to play in their best form.
“We cannot underestimate any of our opponents, which is why we always have to give our best and play our best,” said Megawati, who bested all scorers with 11 points.
In fact, Macau, China grew stronger and more confident in the second set, staying close by with the scores. Hitter Leong Chi Ioi managed to launch her attacks, finding her groove by the flank.
Indonesia coach Alim Suseno switched to his second unit and managed to cap the second set with a scoring run.
The hosts retained their substitutes on the floor, while their opponents suffered dearly from reception and attack errors.
Macau, China will play against Philippines in Monday’s opener at 14:00 (local time).
Indonesia will head onto a rest and recovery day and resume play against Philippines in Tuesday’s 19:00 match (local time) for the completion of Pool A matches in the Preliminary Round.
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