PASIG City, Philippines — In its important encounter against the Philippine women’s volleyball team in the AVC Cup on Thursday at PhilSports Arena, South Korea is preparing for the trio of Tots Carlos, Jema Galanza, and Michele Gumabao. 

After losing to Vietnam, who rested top spiker Tran Thi Thanh Thuy, by scores of 25-13, 25-13, and 25-16 on Wednesday, the young Korean squad, which is made up of high school players, suffered its third straight defeat in Pool A. 

Hwang Jimin, the skipper of the Korean team, who scored five points in yet another loss, observed how the Filipinos battled valiantly against the reigning champions China.

Korean athlete Hwang says with the help of an interpreter, “We’ve seen them play and they played well against the other team. Our goal for tomorrow is to at least to win against the Philippine team.”

South Korea sets up to stop Creamline’s trio of Carlos, who scored 15 points against China, Michele Gumabao, and Jema Galanza, who each scored 11 points, in an effort to advance to the quarterfinals and avoid finishing last.

“We have to focus on their wing players,” Hwang adds.

Nguyen Thi Uyen produced Vietnam’s third victory in four games with 13 points and two blocks, and Ly Thi Luyen added four blocks for 10 points to guarantee at least the No. 2 spot going into the quarterfinals. 

Choi Hosun led Korea with eight points, and Kim Seyul, a replacement, scored seven points in the final two sets.

Meanwhile, Thailand beats Chinese Taipei in the AVC Cup

Thailand defeated Chinese Taipei by scores of 25-20, 25-18, and 25-16 to earn a 2-1 victory in Pool B.

With Pimpichaya Kokram scoring 11 points and Chatchu-on Moksri contributing seven of her team’s total of 16, the Thais advanced to the quarterfinals and at least the second seed. 

On Thursday, Japan (2 – 0) takes on winless Australia (0 – 2) in an attempt to win the group. 

Kan Ko-Hui and Wu Fang-Yu led the Taiwanese team with eight points each as Chinese Taipei placed second and third in the group.

Scores per set are as follows:

First set 25 – 20

Second set 25 – 18

Final set 25 – 16

Game win goes to Thailand.