Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 13) – The Philippine women’s volleyball team opened their 31st Southeast Asian Games on a high note after crushing Malaysia, 25-14, 25-20, 25-15, on Friday at the Quang Ninh Gymnasium.
The Filipina spikers were dominant in the first set, but had rattling moments in the second set as their Malaysian foes attempted to get close to tie the game.
But Japan V.League best blocker Jaja Santiago, Jema Galanza, Ria Meneses, and Ces Molina delivered the attacks to turn their 14-17 deficit into a 25-20 victory in the second set.
The Jorge Edson-mentored Philippine side never looked back in the third set as their dominating plays rocked their opponents, capped by Mylene Paat’s kill from the right row to finish the game.
The win is a morale booster for the Filipina spikers, who will be tested on Saturday as they battle with defending SEA Games champion Thailand.
The five-nation 31st SEA Games women’s volleyball competition follows a single round-robing format, where the top four squads will advance to the semifinals.
