News

13/07/2019

Ruth Enweonwu leads Italy in U20 World Championship opener

Aguascalientes, Mexico, July 12, 2019 - Ruth Enweonwu, with 23 points, led Italy in claiming their first victory beating the United States in four sets 3-1 (28-26, 18-25, 30-28, 25-22) in the FIVB Women’s U20 World Championship opener in Aguascalientes, Mexico.

Italy battled strong to beat then United States and host Mexico enjoyed their first victory in front of an overjoyed crowd defeating Cuba in pool A; while Japan overwhelmed Rwanda and Brazil swept Dominican Republic in pool D.

Pool A

European champion Italy took down NORCECA champion United States battling strong in the tournament’s opener 3-1 (28-26, 18-25, 30-28, 25-22) carried by Ruth Enweonwu with 23 on 18 kills and four service points. Also contributing to Italy’s victory was Yassimina Kone alongside captain Alessia Polulini with 12 points apiece. United States’ leading scorers were Skylar Fields with 15 points, followed by Logan Eggleston with a share of 13 points.

Host Mexico defeated NORCECA rival Cuba in four sets. 3-1 (25-16, 18-25, 25-17, 25-23). Mexico’s serves restricted Cuba’s powerful attackers by a 13-6 margin and using a balanced offence led by captain Uxue Guereca (19), Melanie Parra (15) and Sofia Maldonado (10).

Pool D

With an overwhelming 30-12 attack margin, Japan downed Rwanda 3-0 (25-8, 25-9, 25-4) in their U20 World Championship debut. The 2017 bronze medal winners used all their players to finish with huge 14-2 blocking advantage and 12 serving points against one. Ishikawa Mayo and Soga Haruna topped Japan with 11 and 10 points accordingly.

Brazil swept the Dominican Republic 3-0 (25-12, 25-11, 25-20) dominating every skill of the game. Laura Gambatto Kudiess with 13 points on ten kills and four blocks led Brazil’s huge 32-13 offence in attacks, joined by Ana Cristi Menezes scoring 11 points. Natalia Martinez scored 10 points, the only Dominican player with double-figures.