Philippine lady spikers eye reversal vs Thais

MANILA, Philippines — Southeast Asian kingpin Thailand is the decided favorite, but the Philippines vows to do its best to pull off an upset in their quarterfinals match in the Asian Volleyball Confederation Cup at the PhilSports Arena today.

The Filipinas, represented by reigning Premier Volleyball League Invitational champion Creamline, turned back Iran and Korea and finished 2-2 in Pool A to claim a spot to the quarters where they will clash with the Thais, the Pool B No. 2, in the main game at 8 p.m.

Triumphs over the Iranians and Koreans were a feat in itself as the Nationals had never won against the two proud nations in the last three decades.

The host nation had also eclipsed its ninth-place finish in the last staging of the biennial event in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand four years ago.

Coach Sherwin Meneses said they should hunger for more.

“Hopefully, we can pull this one off because we know Thailand, they are a very strong team. But the ball is round,” said Meneses.