Hangzhou, China, July 1, 2023 – Asian traditional powerhouses Japan, Thailand and hosts China kicked off their campaigns in the first edition of the Asian Women’s U16 Volleyball Championship here in Hangzhou, the capital city of Zhejiang Province, with convincing straight-set wins on Saturday.
In the morning opener at Linping Sports Centre Gymnasium, Japan proved too strong for Australia to outclass the rivals 25-6, 25-12, 25-18.
Facing Asian traditional powerhouses Japan, Australia failed to organize effective attacks due to their unstable reception. They could only sneaked few points from the opponent’s errors and soon they handed out the first set 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 in 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 emerged as the best scorer of the match followed by her teammate and 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.”
In the other match, which started simultaneously on Saturday morning at China Textile City Sports Centre Gymnasium, Thailand overcame a challenge from Hong Kong, China to put it past the spirited opponents in straight sets 25-14, 25-16, 25-16.
Thailand’s outside hitter Oaksonmani Phosridi contributed match-high 16 points for her team followed by Thanita Aiamla-oo and Natchaya Tahae with 13 and 12 points respectively. Sum Yuen Tang led Hong Kong, China with 14 points.
The last match of the day saw hosts China delight the crowd with an overwhelming victory…
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