China joined Brazil at the top of the standings of the 2022 FIVB Women’s Volleyball Nations League at 3-0 and 9 points.
Italy suffered the second defeat in its 2022 FIVB Women’s VNL campaign, losing to China 3-1 to close Week 1 of the competition (Pool 1) in Ankara, Turkey, with a balance of 2 wins and 2 defeats. Asians dominated European champions in blocking (14-3), whereas Italy failed to take advantage of all the opportunities it had built. China’s job was made much easier today given 29 errors committed by its rival, especially ruling the court in the first set which it took by 25-13. Li Yingying stood out the most on the winning side, scoring 21 points.
The star opposite hitter Ebrar Karakurt helped Pool 1 hosts in regaining their footing. Turkish fans got to celebrate as their country’s national team returned to winning ways in the VNL 2022, just one day after they departed the venue in Ankara in a bad mood following a loss to China. Turkey overpowered Bulgaria to a straight-set victory (25-19, 25-21, 25-16) and pleased their home supporters with their second success in 3 matches. Ebrar put down 20 points, 5 of which came from blocks. Bulgaria concluded the first week with 1-3.
Thailand fought hard before laying down its weapons to Belgium, also in Ankara. The teams seemed always close to each other in the match, and so was the tie-break that was taken by Belgium, which marked the first defeat of the Asian side in the event, coming after 2 wins. Thailand truly lacks fortune in this year’s VNL as two of its starters got injured in two consecutive matches and were taken out of the court. First, middle blocker Nuekjang Thatdao against Serbia, and today, libero Pannoy Piyanut. With a total of 23 points, Britt Herbots scored the highest number of points for the ‘Yellow Tigers’.
2022 FIVB Women’s Volleyball Nations League – preliminary stage, Week 1, today’s matches:
