In the latest matches of the Women’s Volleyball Nations League held in China, Italy and Japan showcased their dominance with resounding victories. Italy overpowered the Dominican Republic, while Japan swept France aside with ease.
Italy’s Resurgence Continues with a Dominant Display
Italy, still vying for an Olympic berth, delivered a commanding performance against the Dominican Republic. The Italians, bolstered by a strengthened lineup, showcased their superiority in both blocking and attacking, securing their fifth win in this year’s VNL.
After a challenging first week, the Italian squad returned with renewed vigor, evident from the outset. The initial minutes of the match were competitive, but Italy quickly took control, thanks to an impressive service run by Alessia Orro. This decisive period saw Italy score 10 consecutive points, leading to a 25-12 victory in the first set. Paula Egonu led the charge with 8 points, supported by strong performances from Miriam Sylla and Anna Danesi. The Dominicans struggled offensively, managing only 5 attack points primarily through Gaila Gonzalez-Lopez and Vielka Peralta.
In the second set, the Dominican Republic improved slightly, but Italy maintained a steady lead throughout, finishing 25-19. Setter Orro effectively utilized her teammates, with Egonu continuing her outstanding play, accumulating 16 points by the set’s end.
The third set, the most competitive of the match, saw both teams trading points up to 13-13. However, Italy’s momentum proved too much for the Dominicans, who ultimately fell 25-21. Italy’s dominance was most pronounced in attack and blocking, with the team outblocking their opponents 8-1. Egonu finished the match with 20 points, leading Italy to a 3-0 victory.
Match Summary:
Dominican Republic 0-3 Italy (12:25, 19:25, 21:25)
Team Lineups:
Dominican Republic: Arias, Peralta (7), Marte, Pena Isabel (4), J. Martinez (3), Gonzalez-Lopez (7), Martinez-Caro (libero), Eve (3), A. Rodriguez (2), Tapia (3), G. Gonzalez.
Italy: Lubian (3), Orro (1), Bosetti (2), Danesi (7), Sylla (9), Egonu (20), De Gennaro (libero), Degradi (6), Cambi (1), Fersino, Antropova (4).
Japan’s Decisive Victory Over France
Japan started their match against France with a powerful statement, quickly establishing a 4-0 lead. Despite France’s efforts, they couldn’t match the Japanese team’s pace, falling behind significantly (3-8, 6-12, 10-17, 12-22). Japan’s strong offensive and defensive play led to a dominant 25-14 win in the first set.
Coach Masayoshi Manabe took the opportunity to rotate his lineup in the second set, experimenting with different combinations. Regardless, Japan maintained control, winning the set 25-18. France struggled to find a rhythm, with every point hard-earned.
The third set mirrored the previous ones, with Japan asserting their dominance despite a brief challenge from France. From a 7-7 tie, Japan surged ahead to secure a 25-15 victory, completing a clean sweep. Koga and Mayu Ishikawa were standout performers, scoring 19 and 15 points respectively, while Lucille Gicquel, Christina Bauer, and Sabine Haewegene made notable contributions for France.
Match Summary:
France 0-3 Japan (14:25, 18:25, 15:25)
Team Lineups:
France: Bauer (6), Stojiljkovic, Gicquel (6), Olinga Andela (5), Rotar (3), Haewegene (5), Gelin (libero), Cazaute, Ndiaye (4), Respaut.
Japan: Iwasaki (4), Hayashi (3), Koga (19), Ishikawa (15), Yamada (9), Araki (10), Kojima (libero), Fukudome (libero), Inoue (3), Tamaki, Airi, Kurogo.
As the VNL progresses, both Italy and Japan have shown they are formidable contenders, each setting their sights on the top of the standings.
