EYES ON THE BALL. Alyssa Valdez in action during the match between Philippines and Hong Kong in the 18th Asian Games women's volleyball competition at the Gor Bulungan Stadium in Jakarta, Indonesia on Thursday. (Photo by PSC Media Pool)
JAKARTA -- The Philippines defeated Hong Kong, 3-0 (25-18, 25-21, 25-22), on Thursday to post its first win in the 18th Asian Games women's volleyball competition at the Gor Bulungan Stadium here.
Alyssa Valdez topscored with 14 points while Jaja Santiago added 12 points for the Nationals, who lost to Japan (0-3) and Thailand (0-3) in the Group A preliminary round.
The Philippines outclassed Hong Kong in attacks (45-37), blocks (7-1) and service aces (11-3).
Yeung Sau Mei finished with 15 points while Ching Wing Yan had 10 points for Hong Kong, which absorbed its second straight loss.
Japan and Thailand are unbeaten in two matches, while Indonesia has one win after two matches.
The Philippines is hoping to beat Indonesia, which will be spearheaded by Aprilia Manganang, on Saturday.
“I hope we can be solid and perform better against the Indonesians. I told the players that you know yourselves and you know what you’re capable of. Just work hard and everything will follow,” coach Shaq delos Santos said.
Meanwhile, China downed South Korea, 3-0 (25-21, 25-16, 25-16), to remain unbeaten after three matches in Group B.
In other results, Chinese Taipei outplayed Vietnam, 3-2 (25-13, 19-25, 25-19, 16-25, 15-11) while Kazakhstan beat India, 3-0 (25-8, 25-19, 25-23). (PNA)
