THAILAND’s EST Cola secured a spot in the championship match of the PVL Invitational Conference after sweeping Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City, 25-19, 26-24, 26-24, Sunday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
EST Cola leaned on a steady offensive showing from Papatchaya Phontham, who delivered 21 points, including 19 attacks, to lead the Thai side to its fourth victory in five matches. Her performance also earned her Player of the Game honors.
The Thai squad controlled the opening set and survived tight finishes in the next two frames to complete the straight-set victory and secure a 4-1 record.
EST Cola’s lone defeat came against PLDT earlier in the tournament, but the team recovered strongly and put itself in position to compete for the crown.
Ho Chi Minh City, meanwhile, ended its campaign with a 1-4 record following the loss.
EST Cola will face either the Nxled Chameleons, Creamline Cool Smashers or defending champion PLDT High Speed Hitters in the one-game final on Tuesday. (Adrian Co)
