Hangzhou, China, July 6, 2023 – Mongolia completed their campaign in the 1st edition of Asian Women’s U16 Volleyball Championship following a maiden 3-1 (25-14, 25-22, 24-26, 25-19) win against Australia in the 9th-12th playoffs at Hangzhou Normal University Cangqian Gymnasium here on Thursday morning.
Mongolia boosted a slight edge 7-6 in the first set before gradually extending it to 20-14. Letting loose their attacks and aces, the Mongolians took the comfortable first set 25-14.
Australia improved on their cooperation and raised their confidence as they trailed closely and once seized the chance to surge ahead 13-12. Nevertheless, Mongolia again gained the upper hand with their stable performance in attack to finally claim the second set 25-22.
Both sides tried hard to maintain their service aggressiveness in the third set featuring several splendid aces and a few errors. With Lillian Kelly attacking powerfully at the net and Florence Liu blocking solidly, Australia managed to level it at 24-24 and went on their impressive form to score two points in a row for the eventual 26-24 win to reduce the gap to 1-2.
In the fourth set Mongolia regrouped and continued to make full use of their exceptional service., while Australia, despite fighting hard to gain some attacks, still failed to cope with the opponents’ versatile tactics and full-equipped cooperation. The Aussies finally handed out the set 19-25.
Outside hitters Shinejargal Khaliunaa and Altantogoo Amarbayasgalan contributed 10 points apiece for the winning side, while outside hitter Lillian Kelly and middle blocker Florence Liu scored 14 points each on the Australia’s loss.
“It was our last match, so we tried our best to win. It’s our first victory so I’m so happy. After losing the third set, we were actually really upset. but we made it again and our teamwork today was better than other games,” said Mongolia’s setter Shinejargal Khaliunaa at the Mixed Zone.
“Mongolia played very well. They had strong serves with powerful attacks. However, in the third set, We won more points and that’s how we won the set. Still, Mongolia was a very good team. They scrimmaged very well and deserved the win today,” said Rachael Georgieff, head coach of Australia, after the match.
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