PHILIPPINES PLDT Home TVolution bested the taller Mongolia squad in straight sets, 25-13, 25-23, 25-16, to gets its maiden campaign in the Asian Club Men's Volleyball Championship off to a flyer at the Mall of Asia Arena on Tuesday.
Australian reinforcement Cedric Legrand poured in 18 points, anchored on 13 spikes, three blocks and two service aces, while local player Alnakran Abdilla came up with 12 markers as the Power Pinoys moved within a win of advancing to the knockout quarterfinals from Pool A.
"We have no height but we have the speed," said Philippines coach Francis Vicente. "Lahat naman (ng players) gumawa."
"Speed is one factor to win, but importante lumaban ang mga bata," he added.
After surviving a fiercely fought second set, the Power Pinoys opened an early 8-2 lead in the third behind Legrand and Abdilla before team captain Ian Fernandez joined the act to put the game away in 71 minutes.
The Philippines was in complete control in the second set, 22-14, when the Mongolians came with an 8-1 run late in the second set to cut down their deficit to one, 22-23.
But Kheeno Franco put the Philippines at set point, 24-22, before a service error by the Mongolians let the hosts off the hook.
Saikahanbaatar Erdenebat finished with 13 points for Mongolia, while skipper Munkhbayar Ariunbayar added 10.
Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph
NOTICE ON UNAUTHORIZED AND UNLAWFUL USE, PUBLICATION, AND/OR DISSEMINATION OF SPIN.PH CONTENT: Please be notified that any unauthorized and unlawful use, publication, and/or dissemination of Spin.ph’s content and/or materials is a direct violation of its legal and exclusive rights to the same, and shall be subject to appropriate legal action/s.
