S. Korea Cruises Past Philippines to Reach U-17 Women's Volleyball World Championship Quarterfinals

South Korea's under-17 women's national volleyball team has advanced to the quarterfinals of the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) World Championship.

The national team, led by head coach Lee Seung-yeo, comfortably defeated the Philippines 3-0 in the Round of 16 match of the U-17 World Championship held in Los Andes, Chile, today (August 13).

Having advanced to the Round of 16 as the top team in their group with five consecutive wins in the group stage, South Korea extended their undefeated streak to march into the quarterfinals. They will face Türkiye—who defeated Japan 3-0 in their Round of 16 match—for a spot in the semifinals at the National Stadium Park Court in Santiago, Chile, on the morning of August 15.

Outside hitter Son Seo-yeon (Sunmyung Girls' High School), often dubbed "Little Kim Yeon-koung," poured in 19 points, including three blocks and three service aces.

Eom Min-seo (Hanbom High School, 15 points) and Jang Su-in (Gyeongnam Girls' High School, 10 points) also put on strong performances, scoring in double digits.

In the first set, after claiming a 12-11 lead courtesy of a solo block by Choi Min-ju (Gyeonghae Girls' Middle School) and maintaining a 3-to-4-point margin, South Korea widened the gap from 20-19 with three consecutive points: an antenna-to-antenna attack by Eom Min-seo, a tip shot by Son Seo-yeon, and a middle quick attack by Eom Min-seo.

Geum Byeol (Geumcheon Middle School) wrapped up the first set with a service ace at set point.

After easily securing the second set with a commanding 9-point lead, South Korea pulled ahead 11-5 early in the third set, fueled by consecutive service scores from Son Seo-yeon.

They then extended their lead to 20-11 by stringing together back-to-back blocks from Son Seo-yeon and Choi Min-ju along with a service ace from Eom Min-seo, forcing the Philippines to wave the white flag.

South Korea overwhelmed the Philippines 43-29 in attack points.

In the tournament so far, South Korea has won all six of their matches in four sets or fewer, without ever going to a fifth set.

(Photo courtesy of the International Volleyball Federation, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.