RP girls’ volley coach likes chances in Asian championship

MANILA, Philippines – Having seen the quality of their Pool A opponents, Philippine team coach Francis Vicente is optimistic on the country’s chances in the 7th Asian Youth Girls Volleyball Championship, which started Saturday at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City. “Our goal is to win our first game. But having seen the game of Sri Lanka and Australia, I really believe we can win against both teams. It would be better for us if we can sweep our group," said Vicente, who is confident the hosts can advance into the quarterfinals. The Philippines took a bye in Saturday’s matches allowing Vicente and his team to witness and scout Elisa Hynes and Taliqua Clancy of Australia beat Sri Lanka, 25-21, 25-17, 25-20. “We had too many errors and our team captain Nilanthika Gamage played with a fever. But we will be ready for the host team. We should be and Gamage should also be ready because she is our top player," said Sri Lanka coach Charles Mudalige. The Philippines open its campaign against Sri Lanka on Sunday at 2pm. A win by the Nationals against Sri Lanka assures the hosts of a quarterfinal seat even with one more game to play in the elimination round against Australia set Monday. Vicente said his players are raring to go into action adding that Australia is the only stumbling block in their bid to sweep Pool A. He said Australia is beatable since the Aussies were not as dominating in their game against Sri Lanka, who lacks tall and powerful players. It was only Hynes and Clancy who led Australia’s offensive push. Hynes finished with 15 points, 14 coming on kills, while Clancy scored eight kills. Taylor Schulz had 12 points with three points each coming from blocks and serves. “Our players are prepared physically and mentally. We all watched the Sri Lanka-Australia match so we will know the opposition and gain more confidence once we step into action," said Vicente. “They are all in high spirits at sila rin ang nagsasabi na kaya nilang manalo sa Sri Lanka at Australia, (The team said they can beat Sri Lanka and Australia)" added Vicente who has won four UAAP titles while coaching the University of Santo Tomas girls team. Six UST players suited up for the Nationals led by two-time UAAP most valuable player Alyssa Valdez. Kim Fajardo will set the team’s plays while manning the net are Aleona Denise Santiago and Aerieal Patnongon, who both stand at six-feet tall. Patty Orendain, who competed in last season’s Shakey’s V-League for University of St. La Salle Bacolod, is also part of the team. Indonesia came back from two sets down in pulling off a 22-25, 29-31, 25-17, 25-20, 15-13 decision against India to in a Pool B opening match. Defending champion Japan is the other team in Pool B. Iran, Thailand and Korea are in Pool C while four-time winners China is joined by Kazakhstan and Chinese Taipei are in Pool D. – GMANews.TV