Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand, May 19, 2017 – Thailand, fielding a second-string lineup without captain Ajcharaporn Kongyot, clinched a semi-final berth at the SMM 2nd Asian Women’s U23 Volleyball Championship at The Mall Nakhon Ratchasima’s MCC Hall following a comfortable straight-set 25-16 25-14 25-16 victory over unfancied Malaysia in the quarter-finals on Friday.
Patcharaporn Sittisad topscored with 12 points for Thailand including 9 kills and 2 ace serves. Pimpichaya Kokram contributed with 11 kills and 1 block. Low Mei Cing led Malaysia with 12 points, all from her deadly attacks.
After the match, Thailand’s head coach Nataphon Srisamutnak commented, “This match against Malaysia is not that difficult. I think the next match against either Vietnam or Kazakhstan will be much tougher. Kazakhstan are very strong and if we happen to play them again in the semi-finals, I think it’s not easy to beat them. We have to lead them from the beginning,” said Nataphon.
“However, we have to improve on our blocking. Today, we rested many key players including Ajcharaporn (Kongyot) and Chatchu-on (Moksri) in order that they can be fresh in our tougher task in the semi-finals and the final day. In the semi-finals, we will field the same strong line-up as we did in the match against Chinese Taipei. If we win the semi-final match on Saturday, we then secure a berth to the World Championship. I dare say that if every player in my team is in the pink physically and mentally, we are ready to fight any team.”
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