INDIA OUTCLASS AUSTRALIA IN THRILLING THREE-SETTER
Nakhon Pathom, Thailand, May 23, 2018 – India proved a class above Australia after powering past the opponents 3-0 (25-23 25-18 25-21) in a closely-contested encounter at the 12th Asian Women’s U17 Volleyball Championship at the Nakhon Pathom Municipality Gymnasium on Wednesday.
The convincing win was a repeated feat over the same rivals as India last week thrashed Australia in straight sets in the semi-finals of the “Princess Cup” 20th South East Asian Women’s U17 Championship at the same venue here.
Elakiya M. Muthu led India with 11 points, with Ghosh Disha and Tiwari Debangshi contributing 10 points apiece. Alissa Kinkela charted 10 points for Australia including 9 kills from 31 attempts.
India opened up aggressively to capture the pole position 6-2, but Australia hit back bravely, with Annelies Jones and Alisha Stevens puncturing the Indian defence with powerful attacks. At 19-all, the Australia’s nerves began to fray as they became more prone with unforced mistakes. India ran away with the first-set win 25-23.
Holding 1-0 advantage, the Indians remained in great form as they initially led 4-0 and widened the gap to 8-2. Australia improved on their serves and blocks, aiming to revive their fortunes in the set. Their efforts paid off impressively when they came within a whisker of catching the rivals at 16-17. Still, India had staying power to hold them off to take the set 25-18.
The third set was hotly-contested from the very start. India set an early pace and the Aussies did their best to catch up with them, leaving the on-going game to be even more exciting. However, India fared much better at the final assault to win the set 25-21 and match.
“Despite the win, I’m not satisfied with my girls’ performance. They made too many mistakes. I taught them to play more carefully, but they still came up with unforced mistakes. They trained a lot on serves, but could not improve when they played on the court. We have to discuss about the mistakes we have made. We next play Korea. They are strong, but we have to fight,” India coach Ajay Jangra commented.
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