Aguascalientes, Mexico, July 16, 2019 - Italy, Japan, Russia and Turkey are off to a great start in the second round of the FIVB Volleyball Women's U201 World Championship after winning their first matches in Aguascalientes, Mexico.
Related article: A new round and a new start at the WU20 World Championship
Italy, Japan and Russia defeated their respective opponents with straight-set victories, keeping their unbeaten (4-0) record; while Turkey bounced back from a 0-1 deficit in sets to top Poland in four sets.
Pool E
European champion Italy struck first storming past Brazil in straight sets 3-0 (27-25, 25-21, 25-18) to kick off the second round of competition. Italy’s huge 11-6 margin in blocking was crucial in prevailing against Brazil. Ruth Enweonwu led Italy with 12 points, along with Yassimina Kone and Loveth Omoruyi who contributed with 10 points each. With 15 points Kisy Nascimento of Brazil was the match's leading hitter; teammate Ana Cristina Menezes tallied 10 points. Italy’s next opponent is China.
With a sizeable 14-5 blocking advantage and overwhelming 12-5 margin in serves, Russia swept China 3-0 (25-15, 25-14, 25-23). Three Russian players scored double digits, led by Yakusina Oxana with 14 points on 10 attacks, 4 blocks and 2 aces; Valeriya Shevchuk contributed with 12 points including 3 aces and Ekaterina Pipunyrova added 11 points including 10 attacks. Che Wenhan with 16 points was China’s only player with double digits. Russia will face Brazil on Wednesday.
Pool F
Turkey´s impressive 20-8 blocking margin helped them bounce back stronger after losing set one to come out on top against Poland 3-1 (24-26, 25-23, 25-21, 25-18). Derya Cebecioglu was in charge of Turkey’s offence scoring a match-high of 22 points on 17 kills and 5 towering blocks; Yaprak Erkek joined in with 18 points, while Marvel Atlier scored 11 points including 5 blocks. Julia Orzol and Zuzanna Gorecka with 18 and 17 points respectively led Poland. Turkey’s following match is against undefeated Japan, while Poland meets with United States.
Japan’s dynamic display and serves (10-5 margin) dominated the United States in three sets 3-0 (25-18, 25-15, 25-20) helping them keep their unbeaten record. Japan started sets one and two with a considerable advantage, but USA found their system in the third taking the lead up to 17-11 while Japan’s coordination was off balance; finally Japan recovered to finish with their fourth straight set victory in a row. Nishikawa Yuki led Japan with 14 points on 11 kills from 19 attacks and Yamada Nichika followed with 11 points including 4 aces. Logan Eggleston with 11 points on 11 kills from 25 attacks was United States’ top hitter. On Wednesday, Japan is scheduled to face Turkey and the United States play against Poland.
The top eight second round in Aguascalientes continues on Wednesday July 17 (all local-time)
12:30 Russia vs. Brazil
15:00 Italy vs. China
17:30 Japan vs. Turkey
20:00 Poland vs. United States