Hanoi, Vietnam, July 15, 2019 – Wiranyupa Inchan and Supawan Boonsakleart came off the bench to solidify the Thai defence as the superb duo steered Thailand to 3-0 (25-15 25-15 26-24) victory against Australia in their last Pool B match of the 3rd Asian Women’s U23 Volleyball Championship at the Gia Lam Gymnasium here on Monday.
Supawan Cchangphuk chipped in with 12 points from 7 attacks, a team-leading 3 blocking and 2 aces for Thailand, while Sipa Borgeaud led Australia with 8 points.
Thailand, silver medallists at the previous two editions in 2015 and 2017, had already suffered their first loss to DPR Korea and Aussies also faced the similar fate. The Monday’s clash between the two teams decided the second place in Pool B to join Pool winners DPR Korea in the round of the top eight teams.
Strengthened by ace spiker Thanacha Sooksod and Wipawee Srithong in the first set, Thailand made a good start to lead with a 4-point clear at 16-12 and after that, Thailand replaced Thanacha with Wiranyapa and shuffled their lineup a lot. Coach Chamnan Dokmai’s intention paid off its dividends when the momentum was with the Thai side and they continued to put Australia under enormous pressure. Thailand stormed on their great form to win the first set 25-15.
Though mounting a strong challenge in the second set, Australia still had no answer for the irresistible Wiranyupa, who was on fire attacking aggressively from all corners to help Thailand take a commanding 18-11 lead. As Australia briefly lost their nerves and played erratically, Thailand seized the chance to attack powerfully and block solidly. Wiranyupa and Suwapan remained major forces as they took turns overcoming the taller rivals with their aggressive spikes. Thailand wrapped up the second set 25-15.
Going down two straight sets, Australia tried hard to turn the table on Thailand as they regrouped and hit back with attacks and blocks to set an early pace 5-3 and stretch it to 8-7. Since then, the lead changed hands for several times as both sides never gave up easily.
Australia improved on their blocking, while Thailand continued their attacks. As the Thai side briefly dropped from their rhythm, the Australians started to produce the goods to take a commanding lead with a 3-point advantage at 20-17. Nonetheless, Thailand taught their rivals victory did not come easily as they fought back to catch up with the determined rivals at 20-20. A gusty display of Australia shone through from that point as they led 24-23, needing only one more point to take the set. Still, Aussies just let the set win slip through their fingers. Thailand came back to catch them at 24-24 and went on to win the hard-fought set 26-24 and match.
“We tried to shuffle our line-up to make sure everyone can be replaced. However, in this match, I think some players in the starting lineup still need improvement as they made too many unforced mistakes, while the setter also lack self-confidence. To take on tougher rivals in the round of the top eight, it’s necessary that we have to play carefully with more confidence,” Thailand head coach Chamnan Dokmai commented.
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