Philippines dismantles Korea, punches QF ticket in AVC Cup for Women

The Philippine women's volleyball team took care of business against South Korea, 25-18, 25-13, 25-17 to book  a quarterfinals seat in the 2022 AVC Cup for Women on Thursday.

The Filipinas finished the preliminary round with an even 2-2 card while Korea bowed out of contention with a winless 0-4 slate.

The nationals hardly broke a sweat in the first and second sets, limiting the visitors to just 18 and 13 points respectively to move a set away from a playoffs spot.

Jema Galanza led the offense for the Philippines, collecting several of her overall output in the opening frame including a block that sent them to 22-13 spread.

Middle blocker Ced Domingo then came alive in Set 2 as she fueled a 6-0 run that brought the country to a 19-10 cushion.

Bannered by high school students, Korea could not find the right momentum as the Philippines went 2-0 set ahead.

Korea staged some fightback in the third as they went to the first technical timeout holding a slim 8-7 lead.

But the Philippines retaliated with a 9-2 run as its lead ballooned to 16-10 en route to the sweep.

Galanza and Tots Carlos joined forces in leading the Philippines, churning out 12 and 11 points apiece while Domingo finished with nine markers.

Kim Seyul starred for Korea with nine points while Hwang Jimin chipped in eight.

The hosts will take on powerhouse Thailand in the next stage.

—MGP, GMA News