China silences Pinay spikers, home crowd

Defending champion China displayed its might in front of a loud partisan crowd Tuesday as it easily crushed the Philippines, 25-16, 25-22, 25-20, in the Asian Volleyball Confederation Cup for Women at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.

Taking advantage of their height, power and experience, the Chinese bullied their way to their second straight win in as many outings.

Wu Mengjie led China with 24 points built on 23 attacks and an ace while Zhuang Yushan finished with 10 markers, all off kills.

The Filipinas behind Jema Galanza and Tots Carlos gave a gritty performance but China proved too much for the home team, represented by Premier Volleyball League Invitational Conference champions Creamline Cool Smashers.

The Pinay spikers gave China a little scare in the third set but five straight points from the Chinese broke a 19-19 deadlock before finishing off the Filipinas.

Carlos had 15 points while Galanza and Michele Gumabao posted 11 markers each for Philippines.

The Philippines, which dropped its second straight game in as many outings, squares off against Iran on Wednesday at 7:00 p.m.