Hanoi, Vietnam, July 21, 2019 – Hong Kong China managed to finish 7th place at the 3rd Asian Women’s U23 Volleyball Championship at Gia Lam Gymnasium here on Sunday following an exhausting five-set (25-17 25-10 24-26 25-27 15-11) victory over New Zealand in the 7th-8th playoff match on Sunday.
Tam Ching Rachel scored a team-high 24 points for Hong Kong China including 20 attacks from 43 attempts, while Tamara Otene also topscored with 24 points for New Zealand.
Hong Kong China, which finished 6th place at the previous edition in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand, relied on powerful attacks from Tam Hin Ching Rache and Chim Wing Lam, while New Zealand made a strategic change, with captain and hard-attacking Petra Manderson wearing a different jersey from other teammates as coach Sam Ryburn allowed her a chance to become libero. However, it seemed that his intention did not work out well as Hong Kong China led from start to finish for 25-17 win in the first set.
The second set turned a totally lop-sided affair when Hong Kong China continued their attacks, foiling the rivals’ fightback attempts. Capturing the pole position with a 12-point advantage at 21-9, Hong Kong China did not look back from then on, allowing the rivals only one more point to wrap up the set 25-10.
New Zealand gained the upper hand in the third set. Ellena Taiseni and Hannah Manihere-Double helped the team survive the rivals’ scare with their sharp blows, while Hong Kong China lost their concentration and became more prone with unforced mistakes. New Zealand stole the show to lead the way. However, their improved form did not last long as Hong Kong China put their acts together and hit back to level at 24-24. Fortunately, the Kiwis held on their nerves to win both points for the hard-fought win 26-24.
The fourth set was a similar script as it turned an intense battle. New Zealand surged ahead the rivals 24-22 and needed only one more point to take the set. However, Yim Wing Ni produced great serves to score successive two points, helping Hong Kong China catch up with the pace-setter 24-24. At the final assault, New Zealand fared better to win the close set 27-25, leaving the match to be decided in tie-breaker.
In the tie-breaker, both teams poured everything they had, but Hong Kong China played more confidently to win the decider 15-11, match and the 7th position. New Zealand returned with the 8th place.
Related links of AVC
AVC Website: click www.asianvolleyball.net
AVC Facebook: click www.Facebook.com/AsianVolleyballConfederation
AVC Twitter: click: https://twitter.com/avcvolley
AVC Instagram: click: https://www.instagram.com/avcvolley/?hl=en
AVC Youtube: click: Asian Volleyball Confederation
AVC WeChat: Asian Volleyball Confederation