Ust-Kamenogorsk, Kazakhstan, May 29, 2017 – China’s Tianjin Bohai Bank sailed into a 3-0 (25-11, 25-20, 25-11) win over Iran’s Sarmayeh Bank at the quarter-final phase of the SMM 2017 Asian Women’s Club Samruk Kazyna Volleyball Championship on Monday.
Tianjin Bohai Bank ’s captain Chen Liyi and Yu Junwei scored 18 points each on Monday for the team’s successful entry into the Final Four to contend the title.
“I feel good about our chances in the semi-finals against Thailand and we know we will play our best as a team,” Chen said in a post-match interview at the Boris Alexandrov Sports Palace.
Chen Liyi rushed to get her work done at the wing. Yu Junwei likewise scored off attacks and added service aces. Sarmayeh Bank found difficulty in passing the ball, given the powerful attacks of their opponents. The Iranian side tried to use their substitute players, but the Chinese club stormed into a 25-11 finish in the first set.
By the second set, Yung Junwei supported China’s offence by scoring from the flank. Sarmayeh Bank persisted in keeping a narrow gap, with setter Shabnam Alikhani utilising different hitters. What she needed to find was the most prolific who could help stage a rally. Mahsa Saberi tried at the left, while Maedeh Borhani attacked mostly from the right side.
Consistent, steady play was what the Iranian side needed as they later succumbed to attack errors. They tried to redeem themselves by saving some set points, but Tianjin Bohai Bank eventually slid into a 25-20 win in the second set.
In the third set, Tianjin Bohai Bank hurried into a 16-7 lead, as they continued to collect points from Chen Liyi, Yu Junwei. Sarmayeh Bank’s Farnoosh Sheiki tried to help in offence and defence, but mainly, their errors overtook their demeanour on the court. Bench players were enlisted by coach Mitra Shabanian but their efforts were spoiled by their opponents’ innate strength in attack. The Chinese side took the set 25-11.
Tianjin Bohai Bank will face Supreme VC in the semi-final match on Tuesday, May 30, at 16:30 local time.
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