USA secured the first position in Pool C after beating Turkey in three sets on Sunday. In a hard fought match, the U.S. players showed mental toughness in the decisive moments, and thanks to better performance on the block, claimed the win. It was "All or Nothing" for Russia in their matchup against Thailand, and they were able to get the job done, winning 3-0 and booking the ticket to Phase 2, finishing as second best team in the group.
Women u20 2021
Impeccable USA undefeated in Pool C
Russia secure spot in next phase of the competition
Published 07:09, 11 Jul 2021
After a thrilling win over Turkey on Saturday, Russia began again with setter Viktoriia Kobzar in the starting lineup. In the first set, Thailand, with some sharp serves, put pressure on the Russian reception, but the players coached by Igor Kurnosov kept their focus, and emerged victorious. Captain Tatiana Seliutina also entered the court to support her teammates. Russia outperformed their opponents in all the components, but it was the successful blocking (8) that was the difference in the crucial moments. Vita Akimova topped the charts with 14 points to her name, while for Thailand, Chaiyaphet Panatda was the most productive with 13 points.
“Our team managed to perform well on reception and in defense. Our goal is to always win, so this is what we are working on", said Russian middle blocker Elizaveta Kochurina.
USA remained the only unbeaten team in Pool C after outclassing Turkey in three sets. In a hard fought match, the U.S players made the difference thanks to better play at the net, while Turkey were better in attack and at the serve.
USA started with a 5-0 lead, but Turkey quickly found the proper response in attack and serve. However, the Turkish players let too many unforced errors affect the score. Turkey’s libero Gulce Guctekin shined in the second set, saving some fast attacks by the U.S. players, while Uzun Sudenaz helped with a block and ace to help her team tie the score at 23-23. USA showed mental toughness at the net in these moments. In the last set of the match, Turkey started better, but lost some decisive points after that. Emily Landot, Allison Jacobs and Allysa Battenhorst all contributed for their team’s win with 11 points each. Ipar Kurt of Turkey was the most productive player for her team with 13 points.
“Our block really came out today. We have been working on that, on our timing and it paid off. We worked as a team, we never gave up. We play with a lot of heart, we leave it all out on the floor. We give it our all - this is what makes us team USA," U.S. opposite Emily Landot said.
