Japan beat Turkey in the big match of the 2021 FIVB Women’s Volleyball Nations League in Rimini (Italy).
Japan improved to 8-2 by earning the third win in a row in the 2021 Women’s VNL in the Rimini bubble. Led by Sarina Koga (18 points), Erika Shinomiya (4 blocks), and Mayu Ishikawa (80 % digs; 13/15), the Asian side downed Turkey in the big match of the two teams from the top four in the charts at the opening of Week 4: 3-1 (25-17, 25-20, 17-25, 25-19). Now, these two are tied at 8 victories and 2 losses.
“Before the match, we knew Turkey is currently ranked better and that we must fight hard. I think the reason for the victory is that everyone was able to move fast. The attack power of the Turkish middle department was excellent and I was inspired to do my best as a player in this position. Tomorrow we’ll play against the United States, who won all matches so far, so we want to challenge them as harder as possible. I want to enjoy the game,” said after the match Haruyo Shimamura, Japan’s middle blocker.
Thailand achieved maiden success in the VNL 2021. After 9 defeats, the Asians stunned Germany in 4 sets mostly thanks to Onuma Sittirak (20 points) and Pleumjit Thinkaow (83.3 % digs; 10/12).
The USA trampled over Belgium to stay undefeated (10-0) in the tournament. The team commanded by Karch Kiraly was so dominant in the match that it left the rival at single digits in the first of a total of 3 sets. Jordan Thompson highlighted the winning side with 21 points. Justine Wong-Orantes had 91.7 % digs (11/12).
2021 FIVB Women’s Volleyball Nations League – Round 10 (Week 4):
Russia – South Korea 3-0 (25-23, 25-17, 25-17)
Thailand – Germany 3-1 (24-26, 25-21, 25-21, 25-16)
Japan – Turkey 3-1 (25-17, 25-20, 17-25, 25-19)
USA – Belgium 3-0 (25-9, 26-24, 25-20)
China – Netherlands 3-0 (25-12, 25-18, 33-31)
Canada – Serbia, 6 p.m. CET
Dominican Republic – Italy, 7 p.m. CET
Poland – Brazil, 9 p.m. CET
