AMMAN, Jordan — Defending champion Japan needed to stave off a gritty Philippines side, 25-17, 21-25, 25-16, 25-20, to kick off its Pool B campaign in the 2nd AVC Asian Women’s U16 Volleyball Championship on Saturday evening at the Princess Sumaya Hall here.
Japan had to weather a second set loss and a 9-12 deficit in the fourth as the trio of Ren Sugimoto, Miko Takahashi, and Rina Hayasaka stepped up to complete the win in a thrilling one-hour and 55-minute duel.
Sugimoto and Takahashi unleashed 16 points each, while Hayasaka delivered the clutch attacks in the fourth to finish with 13 points.
“We played well in the defense, but we didn’t play well in the offense. We need to fix it in the next game,” said Sugimoto.
Kana Mizuno and Neiro Nozaki also stepped up with 11 and 10 points, respectively.
It was a difficult game because the Philippines was so good,” said Japan coach Daichi Saegusa. “We couldn’t play well, but this match is going to be good for us because we have more games. It was a good opportunity.”
The Philippines’ gallant stand was led by Nadeth Herbon and captain Xyz Rayco, who had nine points each.
Meanwhile, Thailand swept Australia, 25-12, 25-10, 25-11, behind the potent combo of Inthanoo Chayanut and Emmenuel Ojeaga in Pool D.
Team captain Chayanut Inthanoo led the way with 13 points all from attacks, while Ojeaga stood tall with 11 points.
“There’s a pressure going to the game because our opponents are very tall so kind of hard for me,” said Ojeaga. “This game is a good start [heading] to the next round.”
“Our goal is to be in the final four and if we’re lucky enough, I want to be in the final.”
No one from Australia scored in double figues as Jorja Grocott led the charge with eight points.
Thailand takes on India at 1 p.m. on Sunday, followed by Australia’s game against Chinese Taipei at 3:30 p.m.