Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand, May 21, 2017 –Kazakhstan proved too strong for Hong Kong to thrash the smaller-built opponents with a comprehensive straight-set 25-17, 25-13, 25-15 victory in the 5th-6th playoff encounter at the SMM 2nd Asian Women’s U23 Volleyball Championship at The Mall Nakhon Ratchasima’s MCC Hall on Sunday.
Hong Kong got off to a flying start to lead 8-6 in the first technical time-out in an attempt to challenge Kazakhstan seriously in the opening set. But after the Kazakhs found their groove, they stormed back mightily to win the set 25-17. Kazakhstan continued their splendid performance to take the next two sets 25-13, 25-15 and match.
Yekaterina Sakharova topscored with 17 points for Kazakhstan including 15 kills and 2 blocks, while Gulnaz Altayeva added 15 points. Koo Yung Yung led Hong Kong with only 9 points.
“This championship is very good for us. We got good experience. My team are a new young team. It is very important for me to try in this tournament as a coach. My initial goal was to finish among the top four teams,” Kazakhstan’s head coach Dzianis Matsveyeu said after the match.
“I think this team will be much stronger before joining the Kazakhstan national senior volleyball team. But to finish fifth is a good result for us. Nonetheless, we need to train harder and try again in the next championship for a better result,” he added.
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