China beat the Philippines 3-0 (25-16, 25-22 and 25-20) to secure their third straight win at the Asian Volleyball Confederation Cup for Women in Pasig, Philippines on Tuesday.

This victory enabled China to lock on a spot in the quarterfinals, but it didn't come easy. Having begun the first set with a 5-2 lead, China soon had a good taste of the opponents' energetic counterstrike as the Philippines tied it 7-7.

Wu Mengjie and Cao Tingting helped China extend the lead again to seven points (16-9) with their solid blocks and powerful spikes, but the Philippines were tenacious enough to narrow the deficit down to three points (17-14). In the end, Zhuang Yushan and Zhuang Xinru scored three consecutive points to help China seal the first set 25-16.

The loss in the first set didn't demoralize the Philippines. On the contrary, they established a 7-4 lead with various offense while home fans were rooting for the team with the force of thunderbolt. Though China managed to gain the lead soon (10-9), they could never leave the opponents behind by more than two points. The score went from 18-18 to 22-22 before China won this set exploiting a serve by Wu Mengjie and a key block.

The Philippines again gained advantage early in the third set, leading first 12-8 and then 17-14. China couldn't keep consistent effective bumps so coach Kuang tried to vary the team's firepower sources. Hu Mingyuan and Zhuang Yushan stood out with key defensive and offensive performances to put their team on top 19-18 as the set was coming to an end. Wu's continuous attacks sealed the deal for China to win the final set 25-20.

China will play their last opponent Iran in Group A on Thursday to decide who they will face in the quarterfinals.