Piyanut celebrates small victories

Like Thailand captain Pleumjit Thinkaow, libero Piyanut Pannoy focuses on the positives as she stays motivated despite consecutive losses for her team at the 2021 FIVB Volleyball Nations League.

They have won two sets in total so far – one against Korea in Week 1 and the second was against 2018 VNL silver medallists Turkey on Sunday.

"We had a great start, because we helped each other a lot and we were very good in reception,” Piyanut said.

“Then, in the second and fourth sets we couldn't receive the service well, because they served very well. The Turkish team also had a powerful attack."

For Piyanut, stealing a set against a team that has not lost any matches is already progress and the statement ‘a team that celebrates small wins, wins big’ rings true.

“It was beyond our expectations, and it was great for us to win a set. We will use that as our inspiration, and it is with great delight that we will play like this in the other matches.”

The Thai team are earning the admiration of many fans, including their opponents, as they show up with the same spirit and big smiles on their faces each time they are on the court. Their culture of celebrating small wins certainly gives fresh inspiration to the fans.

After taking the reins from Wanna Burkaew as libero, Piyanut has become the leader in defence for the Southeast Asian squad.

Piyanut feels that it is also time for younger players to shine.

“We have a combination of old and young players. For me, No. 9 (Sutadta Chuewulim) is a great player and has a bright future in the national team.”

Piyanut and Sutadta both play for the same club, Supreme Volleyball Club, in the Thailand League, and the two have shown good chemistry on the court.

That’s another small win to celebrate.