Defeat to Aussie side sends Pinays vs Koreans

Host Philippines rammed into a taller Australia side and absorbed a 21-25, 22-25, 23-25 defeat yesterday but still made it through the quarterfinals round of the seventh Asian Youth Girls Volleyball Championship at the Philsports Arena.

But the setback sent the Filipinos into an early confrontation with the powerhouse Koreans after finishing second in Group A with a 1-1 (win-loss) slate.

Korea blasted Iran, 25-9, 25-11, 25-9.

The Aussies emerged the top seed in Group A with a 2-0 card. They will take on the Thais, the perennial Southeast Asian champions, in the quarters.

Eliza Hynes riddled the Filipinas defense with 15 kills while Taylor Schulz knocked in seven points, including four on blocks, to seal the victory for Australia.

“Definitely, our size is our big advantage,” said Australia coach Adam Maskell.

Jung Won Moon and Young Euen Jang sprayed the Iranians with a combined 23 hits, including four aces, to lead the Koreans’ two-game sweep of Group C in this weeklong meet backed by Shakey’s, Thermos, Mikasa and Philippine Sports Commission.

Earlier, defending champion Japan trounced Indonesia, 25-11, 25-8, 25-14, to likewise complete a two-game sweep of Group B.

In Group D, Chinese Taipei fended off a gritty challenge by Kazakhstan to eke out a thrilling 14-25, 25-23, 22-25, 25-12, 15-12 victory and barge into the quarters with a 1-1 record.

Power-hitting Wei Wen Huang blasted away with a tournament 32 hits while Yi Wun Dung formed the core of the Taiwanese formidable net defense by scoring five of her 17 points on blocks.

The Kazakhs and the Iranians thus dropped to a share of ninth to 12th places with the Indians and the Sri Lankans.