Xu Yixiao’s powerful performance was key to China’s 3-1 (21-25, 25-20, 25-18, 26-24) victory over the United States at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games women’s sitting volleyball tournament at North Paris Arena on Friday.
Xu scored 25 points, showcasing her dominance with 20 impactful attacks. Tang Xuemei contributed 18 points, providing crucial support to the Chinese offence. Despite a strong 21-point effort from Heather Erickson, the USA was unable to turn the tide in their favour.
The match started with a tightly contested opening set, with both teams exchanging powerful blows as they vied for control. USA managed to pull ahead, capitalising on a series of errors from China and a crucial block by Lora Webster. Despite China’s efforts, including key plays from Tang, the USA maintained their edge.USA held a slim lead at 24-21 and Kathryn Bridge’s attack point secured the final set point for USA at 25-21.
The second set was fiercely competitive, with both teams demonstrating strong plays. China began to edge ahead as the set progressed, capitalising on a series of errors by USA. Despite a strong effort by the USA side, China managed to maintain their lead through strategic attacks and consistent serving.
As the set neared its conclusion, China held a 24-20 advantage. A final attack point by Xu, following a dig error from Erickson, secured the set for China at 25-20, bringing the match level at one set apiece.
In the third set, China asserted their strength early on, taking a commanding lead over USA. The set featured a mix of solid serves and key blocks from the Chinese side, particularly from players like Lyu Hongqin and Zhang Lijun. USA struggled to keep up, despite some strong moments from Bridge and Erickson.
Zhang’s precise serves and Xu’s strong swings widened the gap. The final blow came when Lyu Hongqin’s block forced an error from Bridge, sealing the set for China with a decisive 25-18 victory.
The final set of the match saw an intense back-and-forth between the two squads. USA initially built momentum, with Erickson contributing crucial points. However, the Chinese side steadily chipped away at the lead, with Zhang Lijun’s sharp attacks keeping them in contention. USA’s efforts to regain control, including a crucial block from Lora Jessica Webster that brought them to a 24-24 tie, Xu ultimately delivered the decisive point, securing a hard-fought 26-24 win for China.
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