Manila: Vietnam kicked off its title defense with a 25-3, 25-13, 25-14 victory over Lebanon Saturday in the Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Women's Cup at Candon City Arena in Ilocos Sur. Middle blocker Nu Anh Le finished with 12 points on 10 attacks and two service aces, while Thi Uyen Nguyen had 11 on nine attacks and two aces.
According to Philippines News Agency, TTB Thuy chipped in nine points on eight attacks as Vietnam set the pace in Group B. Shantalle Marie Demirjian led Lebanon with eight points on seven attacks and a block.
In the other Group B match, Kazakhstan turned back Hong Kong 20-25, 25-17, 25-16, 25-13. Tatyana Yatskiv scored 25 points from 22 attacks, two service aces and a block. Yulia Fomenko contributed 13 points, including six blocks, while Aigul Mulkibayeva had six points on three attacks and three blocks.
Lam Shum paced Hong Kong with 13 points, while Nga Yee Leung added nine. The Philippines (Alas Pilipinas), led by veterans Alyssa Valdez and Jovelyn Gonzaga, is taking on Uzbekistan as of posting time.
