Nakhon Pathom, Thailand, June 13, 2024 – Thailand cemented their title credentials as the host side downed Indonesia in four-setter in the Thursday’s final clash to capture the 22nd “Princess Cup” Women’s U18 Southeast Asian Volleyball Championship at the Nakhon Pathom Gymnasium here.
The dramatic 3-1 (25-19, 25-17, 24-26, 25-17) win in a repeated clash against Indonesia, the team they had already beaten in comfortable straight sets in the single round-robin preliminaries earlier, bode well for their final preparation and the bright prospect in the 15th Asian Women’s U18 Championship, which is set to take place at the same venue here from July 16 to 23 and serves as the qualification for the next year’s FIVB Girls’ U19 World Championship.
Earlier, Thailand completed the single round-robin competition with remarkable unbeaten record of not dropping a single set to their respective rivals, collecting a total of 15 points to finish on top of the six-team tournament, while Indonesia came in second place with 12 points from four wins against one loss. Philippines finished third with nine points from three wins against two losses. Australia, Malaysia and winless Singapore were placed fourth, fifth and sixth places respectively.
With the top two teams after the single round robin through to the showdown, Thailand and Indonesia battled it out for the championship match on Thursday. Third- and fourth-placed teams, Philippines and Australia, contested the bronze-medal match, with fifth-placed Malaysia taking on sixth-placed Singapore for the fifth position of the tournament.
Against Indonesians in the Thursday’s final showdown, Thailand fielded a fully-fledged lineup led by the 185cm-tall outside hitter Supawadee Panwilai, Atitaya Kaewnok and Sasikan Kanoiu, while hard-hitting Junaida Santi and Azzahra Dwi Febyane orchestrated the Indonesian offense.
Thailand and Indonesia fought neck and neck in the opening set which saw the score leveled at 11-11. The host side combined their offensive mobility from powerful attacks from Supawadee and Sasikan with solid blocks by Nattharika Wasan and Sasithorn Jatta to break away for the commanding lead with a five-point clear at 23-18. Supawadee brought Thailand to the set point 24-18 with her swift two-handed push to an open spot on the rivals’ court, but Santi saved the day for Indonesia with her deadly spike. However, to make short work of the strong visitors, Thailand wrapped up the first set 25-19, with Sasikan scoring the team’s last point with her aggressive shot.
The second set turned out to be a one-sided affair, with the host side leading all the way from start to finish. As Thailand took an initial 14-7 lead, Santi played a vital role for the Indonesia’s brief comeback as she scored back-to-back points, but she alone couldn’t help that much. The host girl continued their superb form to take the comfortable set 25-17.
Indonesia’s comeback effort paid its dividends in the third set. Thailand led narrowly 11-10 and extended it to 20-18 before Indonesia counter-attacked well, with Santi, fellow outside hitter Naisya Pratama Putri and opposite Tina Syifa Sabila Salim penetrating the Thai defence with their aggressive attacks to catch the host side at 20-20 and 24-24. Indonesia reached another set point 25-24, thanks to a mighty mid-court spike from Santi before Naisya Pratama Putri carried out a service ace for the team’s nail-biting 26-24 win.
Conceding one set, Thailand bounced back mightily to lead 13-5 in the fourth set. Indonesia fought back, with Santi unleashing a series of exceptional attacks to score three points on the trot for the narrowed margin 8-13. However, consistent plays with combination attacks and resilience proved key factors for Thailand to continue leading the way as they advanced 20-12.
However, as the host side became prone with many unforced mistakes, Indonesia went on their attacks to bag four points in a row to trail closely at 16-20. Still, their impressive form came too late, as the Thai girls regrouped and hit back relentlessly to win some crucial points and led 24-16. A spike from Supawadee went out wide to give Indonesia another breath, but their challenge ended shortly after that following a service error from Naisya Pratama Putri. Thailand captured the set 25-17, match and the championship.
Outside hitter Supawadee Panwilai delivered 26 points from 23 kills, one block and two aces for Thailand, while Sasikan Kanoiu and Atitaya Kaewnok chipped in 16 and 12 points respectively. Outside hitter Junaida Santi scored a match-high 27 points from 26 kills and one ace on the Indonesia’s loss.
Thailand dominated in all elements to lead their opponents in kills (60 to 51), blocks (9-4), aces (8-6), while benefiting from more opponent errors (22 to 18).
In the third-place playoff clash earlier, Philippines secured bronze medal after powering past Australia, the team they had beaten 3-1 two days ago, in convincing straight sets 25-13, 25-21, 25-20.
After straight-set disappointment to Indonesia the day before, which dashed their high hopes on advancing to the showdown with hosts Thailand, Philippines bounced back from the loss to win this crucial match on Thursday and secured their first-ever podium finish in this regional competition.
With outside hitter Kimberly Chelmei Rubin and opposite Serneche on fire, Philippines took the comfortable first set 25-13.
Middle blocker Chelsea Cocks and the 189cm-tall opposite Caitlin Clarke allowed Australia a strong comeback in the second set to help the team trail close behind 21-22. Nonetheless, Philippines held firm, with skipper Serneche, Rubin and middle blocker Avril Denise Bron attacking effectively to clinch the well-fought set 25-21 for the 2-0 advantage.
The third set was more thrilling when Philippines tried hard to cope with the Australian attacks. The Aussies took a narrow 19-18 lead, courtesy of outside hitter and skipper Matisse Conlon’s back row attack. However, a string of unforced mistakes from Australia and solid block efforts by middle blocker Bron and setter Maile Paz Salang put Philippines ahead 23-20. Kimberly Rubin scored twice through her powerful spikes to hand Philippines the eventual 25-20 set win, match and bronze medal.
Harlyn Serneche chipped in 13 points, all from attacks, for Philippines, with Kimberly Chelmei Rubin and Avril Denise Bron adding 12 and 6 points respectively. No Australian player scored double digits against the rivals, as Caitlin Clarke bagged 9 points including 7 kills from 25 attempts on the team’s loss.
In the 5th-6th place playoff, Malaysia still proved a cut above Singapore, the team they had earlier beaten in straight sets, after 3-1 (25-16, 25-15, 23-25, 25-15) demolition of the same opponents.
After going down in two straight sets, Thai coach Suntorn Phoseeta’s Singapore came back solidly to win the close third set 25-23. However, their sweet dream to continue good show turned into a nightmare as Malaysia stormed back in the fourth set to win 25-15 for a 3-1 match and the fifth position in the tournament.
Opposite Tian Ye Eunice was the most productive player in this match to chip in 20 points from 17 kills, one block and two aces for Malaysia, while middle blocker Yong Yuchi Melanie and outside hitter Chia Yu-en Elizabeth scored 10 points apiece on the Singapore’s loss.
Thailand Volleyball Association President Mr Somporn Chaibangyang presided over the awards presentation and closing ceremony at the Nakhon Pathom Gymnasium. He also presented AVC Plaques to those who supported the organization of the tournament as well as representatives from all participating teams.
Hosts Thailand received the prestigious Princess Cup and gold medals presented by Mr Somporn, while Indonesia picked up silver and Philippines claimed bronze. Individual awards were also presented to outstanding players.
Australia, Philippines and hosts Thailand will next take part in the 15th Asian Women’s U18 Volleyball Championship, which will be held at the same venue here to qualify four teams for the next year’s FIVB Girls’ U19 World Championship.
ALL MATCH RESULTS
FINAL RANKING
CHAMPIONS: THAILAND
SILVER: INDONESIA
BRONZE: PHILIPPINES
INDIVIDUAL AWARDS
Individual Awards winners
Best Outside Hitters
Best Opposite Hitter
Best Middle Blockers
Best Setter
Best Libero
Most Valuable Player
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