HANOI – The Philippine women’s volleyball team got off to a solid start in the 31st Southeast Asian Games, defeating Malaysia in straight sets, 25-14, 25-20, 25-15, on Friday in Quang Ninh, Vietnam.
The Nationals, led by Alyssa Valdez and Jaja Santiago, looked sharp and hardly put a foot wrong in a strong start to their medal bid after their grueling training in Brazil under head coach Jorge Edson.
The team will have little rest as the Philippines gets an acid test early with a clash against defending champion Thailand on Saturday, 2 p.m. (3 p.m. Manila time)
The reigning gold medalist swept the Philippines in their group stage match in 2019.
Meanwhile, Vietnam, silver medalist in the last SEA Games, defeated Indonesia, 25-17, 25-18, 18-25, 25-20.
The top two teams at the end of the round robin tournament will contest for the gold.
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