Amman: The Philippines will take on unbeaten Chinese Taipei in the 2nd Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Women’s U16 Championship on Wednesday at the Prince Hamzah Sports Hall in Amman, Jordan. Alas Pilipinas, who beat Iran, 25-21, 25-22, 25-22, last Sunday to finish second in Pool B, will square off with Chinese Taipei, which swept Pool D, at 6:30 p.m. (Philippine time).
According to Philippines News Agency, the tournament follows a unique Final 8 format, where the Philippines is grouped with defending champion Japan, Chinese Taipei, and Thailand in Pool F. The top two teams from this pool will advance to the semifinals. The Philippines has a 0-1 record after bowing to Japan (17-25, 25-21, 16-25, 20-25) in the first round, similar to Thailand, which fell to Chinese Taipei, 18-25, 25-22, 18-25, 23-25.
Team captain Xyz Rayco expressed confidence in the team’s ability to improve upon their performance. “You can expect us to improve. We’ll correct the mistakes we made in the game [against Iran] and play even better in the next one,” said Rayco, who scored 13 points built on nine attacks, three blocks, and an ace against Iran.
Chinese Taipei’s Chen Ting-Yi, who scored 24 points against Thailand, along with Chan Tzu-Yun and Cheng Yung-Yu, are expected to be key players. “I want to win against the Team Philippines. And I hope everyone will do their best,” Chen said through an interpreter.
The Philippine squad will feature setter Resty Jane Olaguir, spikers Nadeth Herbon and Merish Beltran, middle blockers Madele Gale and Jhenica Sadia, and libero Frances Ramos. Head coach Edwin Leyva emphasized the need for a strategic approach. “The other teams are really good, but they’re definitely beatable. We just have to come up with the right game plan and strategies to outsmart their style of play,” Leyva said.
AVC and Philippine National Volleyball Federation president Ramon “Tats” Suzara also congratulated and encouraged the team to keep on improving. The Philippines will conclude its Final 8 campaign on Thursday against Thailand at 4 p.m. (Philippine time).
