Nationals open title bid vs Sri Lankans in youth volley

Host Philippines takes on Sri Lanka today to open its campaign in the seventh Asian Youth Girls volleyball championship at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.

“We’ve seen their weakness. We’ll try to pounce on it,” said RP team coach Francis Vicente of the Sri Lankans, beaten in straight sets by the Australians at the start of the 12-nation tourney yesterday.

Vicente is likely to rely heavily on key players Allona Santiago, Aerial Patnogon, Midori Hirotsoji and Patty Orendain as they look for a winning start in the event backed by Shakey’s, Thermos, Mikasa and Philippine Sports Commission.

Chess chief and former Congressman Prospero “Butch” Pichay Jr. and volleyball president Pedro Mendoza declared the event open yesterday.

Indonesia also won its initial game, pounding out a heart-stopping 22-25, 29-31, 25-17, 25-20, 15-13 victory over India.

Eliza Hynes led the Aussie attack by unleashing 15 hits including 14 on kills with the tall, slender Taylor Schultz accounting for 12 spikes. The Aussies play the Filipinas tomorrow.

“We’re doing okay, we hope to sustain our form,” said coach Adam Maskell, whose team bested two local collegiate squads in exhibition games before plunging into action here.

Indonesia, for its part, drew firepower from Maya Kurnia Indri Sari and Sulistianti Samogoi, who blasted away with 20 hits each.