By KRISTEL SATUMBAGA
China made short work of a young Korean squad, 25-9, 25-8, 25-9, at the start of the 2022 Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Cup for Women at the Philsports Complex in Pasig City Sunday, Aug. 21.
The Chinese took full advantage of their height advantage – not to mention their vast experience – and scored almost at will.
Zhuang Yushan paced China with 13 points highlighted by 11 kills and two aces while Zhou Yetong chipped in 11 points built on seven attacks and four blocks.
In all, China fired 38 kills, 10 blocks and nine aces.
The Koreans, averaging between 16 to 17 years old, were held to measly 16 attacks and one ace.
So dominant were the Chinese they raced to an 11-3 lead in the second frame after sizing up the Koreans in the first set. They hiked their lead to 21-7 and never looked back.
The Koreans, led by Choi Hosum, produced flashes of brilliance, engaging the experienced Chinese in exciting rallies to the delight of the crowd.
Choi managed seven points – all coming from attacks – but her teammates were tightly marked.
The Philippine team was battling Vietnam at presstime.
The Nationaks then take a break Monday before it returns to action against China on Tuesday, Aug. 23.
Meantime, addressing the absence of some previous participants, Dr. Han Joo Eom, the control committee president and technical director for AVP Cup, said the event will now be held annually where participants can collect valuable FIVB points to gain entry to the VNL Challenger Cup.
“This championship is even more important from now on,” said Eom, who was thankful that health restrictions in the Philippines were finally eased. (With a report from Nikole Javier)
