Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan, July 6, 2022 – India took a straight-sets match, 3-0 (25-21, 25-11, 25-14) against Uzbekistan in Pool B of the Preliminary Round of the 21st Asian Women’s U20 Volleyball Championship on Wednesday at the NU Sports Centre.
Gopika Gunasekaran led all scorers with 19 points (15 attacks, 3 blocks, 1 service ace). Captain Pal Prerona added another 10 points (6 attacks, 2 blocks, 2 service aces) for India’s first win in the competition.
Uzbekistan rushed off to an 8-0 run to open the match, utilising Ezozakon Ismatova on attack. They later fell to miscues in serve and attack, and quickly lost composure.
India retaliated by unleashing powerful serves to disrupt the opponents’ passing rhythm. They also enforced tight blocks and collected points from their deflections. They showed more variety and precision as they played transition, relying on Gunasekaran and Alpna at the flanks. Prerona and Prisha Rajesh Krubhakar took care of the middle.
India went on to show their quality of play, comprised of good passing to craft well-intended offence. Setter Annu Devi was even able to run combinations at times, which only found their opponents second guessing the situation.
Uzbekistan switched to their second setter Nasiba Jamolova in order to resolve their deficit. They showed that they could run the middle with Dolniza Boymirzaeva, but the more crucial resolve needed to be seen in their passing lanes.
India completed their first victory in the competition, dominating on all fronts, with 37 attacks, 9 blocks and 6 service winners.
Ashok Kumar Chhakara, head coach of India, was pleased with his team’s performance on Wednesday.
“We had problems in the first set, seeing how Uzbekistan could play well. But then, the girls worked hard and played better so we could take this first win here. They played well today, but I know they will still improve as we move along,” said Chhakara.
India will play defending champions Japan next, on Saturday, July 9, in the main event at 17:30 local time. Uzbekistan’s next assignment will be likewise against Japan, on Thursday, July 7, in the opening match at 12:30 local time.
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