Vinh Phuc, Vietnam, April 28, 2023 – China’s Liaoning Donghua overcame a strong first-set challenge from Hip Hing to cruise past the smaller-built but determined opponents from Hong Kong, China in straight sets to register their consecutive third win in Pool B in the 2023 Asian Women’s Club Volleyball Championship at the Vinh Phuc Gymnasium on Friday.
Unbeaten Liaoning Donghua, the only team in this continent’s topflight club championship which have yet lost a set to their respective rivals, started dismally in their looking-easy match against Hip Hing, aiming for an improved performance following their first two matches which they lost easily.
Hip Hing got off to a good start, much to everyone’s surprise, when they carried out impressive attacks and blocks which gave them an initial lead with a three-point clear at 8-5. With opposite Chim Wing Lam and outsider Yick Wing Sum attacking well at the net, Hip Hing extended the lead to 14-10. Liaoning Donghua put their acts together and stormed back with exceptional attacks and intensified defence, allowing the rivals tough times scoring.
Moments later, the Chinese outfits found their rhythm and narrowed the gap with just one point behind at 15-16, went on their good show to catch the rivals at 16-16 and advanced to 20-18, courtesy of Sun Xizoxuan’s effective fast spike. Liaoning Donghua allowed Hip Hing two more points to wrap up the close first set 25-20.
The second set turned out to be one-way traffic. Liaoning Donghua improved on their receiving and attacking tactics and their attempts worked out pretty well. The Chinese team scored 7 points in a row from the very beginning of the set. Hip Hing tried to overcome their poor start, but found the Chinese counterparts too hot to handle. Liaoning Donghua widened the gap to 16-4 and attacked relentlessly to claim consecutive 6 points at 22-4.
Hip Hing regrouped and worked on their receiving and blocking to save one more point before middle blocker Sun Yuqing produced a well-placed serve which went without returning. Liaoning Donghua took the totally one-sided set 25-8.
In the third set, Hip Hing fared better at the beginning to level it at 7-7, but Liaoning Donghua fought back with mighty attacks and effective blocks to leave the rivals behind 23-14 and advanced to 24-14 before substituted Xu Duoxining produced an ace serve to completely end the Hip Hing’s challenge.
Liaoning Donghua captured the set 25-14 and match, stretching it to three…
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