CANDON CITY — Australia pulled off an impressive debut, turning back the Philippines, 25-22, 23-25, 18-25, 25-15, 15-11, on Sunday in the Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Women’s Volleyball Cup at the Candon City Arena.

Caitlin O’Dea had 17 points, while Lara Maric scored 16 as Australia joined the winners’ circle, while the Philippines slid to a 1-1 win-loss record.

Ella Schabort had 12 points on 10 attacks and two blocks, Anni Tang had 12 points on eight attacks, two blocks and two aces, while Chloe Walker delivered 10 points on six attacks and four blocks

Alyssa Solomon, a late addition to the recently-assembled Philippine squad, led the Philippines with 23 points on 22 attacks and a block in the tournament presented by the Philippine Sports Commission and Candon City headed by Mayor Eric D. Singson.

Nina Ytang scored 13 and skipper Alyssa Valdez had 11 points for Alas Pilipinas.

Australia coach Russell Borgeaud lauded Alas Pilipinas for a solid effort, while praising the huge Sunday crowd at the Candon City Arena.

“To control the crowd you have to control the ball, you know when we can control the ball and win some points, keeps the crowd a little bit quieter.”

“But having said that, the crowd, they’re a beautiful crowd. They make a very positive noise, they’re not cheering against us, they’re cheering for their team as they should, and that’s always a fun crowd to play in front of.”

Borgeaud was also pleased as Australia beat the Philippines for the first time in a while.

“It’s been a long time since we beat the Philippines, I expected it to be very tight, we knew it would be a difficult game.”

Meanwhile, titleholder Vietnam continued its rampage, dismantling Hong Kong, 25-9, 25-18, 25-11.

Thi Nhu Quynh Vi fired 11 points, all on attacks, as Vietnam firmed up its hold on the Group B lead following its straight-sets win over Lebanon in the opener.

In Pool A action, Chinese Taipei made a rousing debut with a 25-14, 25-11, 25-17 rout of Kyrgyzstan.

Vietnam thoroughly dominated the match, pounding out 40 attacks against Hong Kong’s 22 and capitalizing on 25 opponent errors.

Sum Yuen Tang scored nine for Hong Kong, which suffered its second straight loss.

The Vietnamese next take on Indonesia, while Hong Kong battles Lebanon.

Kyrgysztan showed more grit in the second set and managed to stay within a point in the early goings, 8-7, but Taipei simply shifted gears, doubling up 18-9 and never let up.

Chinese Taipei is set to face Australia, while Kyrgyzstan takes on Alas Pilipinas.