Women’s round-up: Thailand to face Malaysia, Vietnam get Indonesia The final two women’s group matches were exciting contests, and both of them had a “we’ll meet again” flavour about them. Group A Vietnam 2 VS Malaysia 1 Group B Indonesia 0 VS Thailand 2 Malaysia .v. Vietnam was the first (re-)match of the day, and these two familiar foes picked up where they had left off the previous day. The coaches decided to mix and match, with Tran Thu Thuy Linh and Rahilah starting at striker. Nurrashidah was brought into action after Malaysia had lost the first set and engineered a turn-around, so much so that Le Thi Tham was brought on to counteract her in the third after Malaysia had saved match point to edge the second 17-15. In the deciding set, Cao Thi Hai Yen was back in the tekong circle and though she served a few faults, she backstopped the team to victory while Malaysia were left ruing the lack of bite that their tekongs are producing in the absence of the injured Norzubaidah. The “tangerines” (Malaysia’s women’s regu followed the men’s lead by switching jerseys after the first match) will now face Thailand in the semis after the favourites overcame spirited resistance from a much-changed Indonesia team. The whites are here without Dina Mita and Mega Citra, not to mention Leni, Florensia Cristy and Chikita, but in Rike Media, Lena and Hasmawati Umar they have a strong starting three. This trio took Thailand close in the opener, saving two game points thanks to some tenacious “d” from Lena who blocked at the net like her life depended on it. Having dropped the opener 15-13 the Indonesians sprinted out of the blocks in set two and took a 5-2 lead. This was the cue for Thailand to react, and they certainly did, reeling off 12 straight points! Wongcharern replaced Fuengfa at striker to great effect, while Thitima continued to serve sharply (up until match point, when she curiously got nervous) and Kaewjai defended and setted to absolute perfection. Thailand will be favourites to defeat Malaysia on Saturday morning, while Indonesia – Vietnam should be an absolute classic!
Posted on: Fri, 01 Nov 2013 15:52:23 +0000
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