Hangzhou, China, July 1, 2023 – Japan outclassed Australia 3-0 (25-6, 25-12, 25-18) in the opener of Asian Women’s U16 Volleyball Championship here at Linping Sports Centre Gymnasium on Saturday morning.
Facing Asian traditional powerhouses Japan, Australia failed to organize effective attacks due to their unstable reception. They could only sneak few points from the opponent’s errors and soon they handed out the first set in 6-25.
Australia improved their reception and played several aggressive spikes in the second set. Both sides also presented some long rallies, which excited spectators to cheer. However, Japan showed their all-sided advantages in service, defence and attacks before they finished the second set 25-12.
The third set saw more errors from Japan in service and attacks, giving Australia more confidence to gain points. The Australians fought hard to deal with each ball and even opposed several clean blocks against Japan. Nevertheless, it was not enough to change the tide as Japan firmly controlled the situation. The set was concluded 25-18 in favor of Japan.
Japan’s middle blocker and captain Yuzuki Baba bagged 13 points to be the best scorer of the match followed by her teammate outside hitter Yuna Matsuo with 11 points.
“We played in unity no matter lineups and substitutes. We did well in blocking and combination between attackers and setter. I think it is the key to win the match,” said Yuzuki Baba at the mixed zone. “Australia also played very hard and persistently. They saved several difficult balls and I think they are a tough team. We will learn experience from this match to prepare for the next match against Iran.”
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