Filipina spikers crush Cambodians

The Filipinas began their quest for the elusive podium finish with a rousing victory over the inexperienced Cambodians, 25-5, 25-5, 25-5, in Group B of the 32nd Phnom Penh Southeast Asia Games women's volleyball competition Tuesday night at the Olympic Complex Indoor Main Hall.

A huge and very loud Filipino crowd came out to watch the Nationals give the host team, which was just formed last year, a rude welcome to international volleyball with a quick massacre.

Middle blocker Del Palomata had a field day at the front of the net with her towering presence putting fear in the eyes of the young Cambodian squad, which only had a couple of lucky hits and an ace put up as most of its points came off the Filipinas' errors.

Wingers Mylene Paat, Jema Galanza and Tots Carlos relentlessly pounded the Cambodians with missiles as setter Jia Morado-de Guzman had an easy time activating her attackers from different angles.

The Philippines, which seeks to end an 18-year medal drought, battles Vietnam on Wednesday at 6 p.m.

Skipper Alyssa Valdez has yet to see action in her fifth straight appearance in the biennial meet as she sat out the one-sided match.

All of Cambodia's points in the opening set came off the Philippines' errors.