FIVB Grand Prix 2010: The opening match of 4th round features U.S. and Poland in a clash
The volleyball euphoria continued for another week with the championship entering the most influential phase, which will define the superstars of the 18th FIVB Grand Prix 2010. The final round of the championship is scheduled to conclude results on Sunday, 29th August 2010. The Chinese city of Ningbo is rocked with the sense of volleyball ecstasy this week.
A total of six teams qualified for the fourth-round and each team has five matches to play in the final round. In the very first battle, U.S. team defeated Poland by an exhibition of incredible game. The U.S. team, which finished the first three stages of the tournament with 21 points, carried through the next round with same enthusiasm.
U.S. was placed second in the standings, while Poland followed them in the third spot. Poland also scored 21 points in the preliminary rounds but it lagged behind on account of match-win ratio. Therefore, both the teams had enough potential to display a memorable game.
First Set
The game entered the first set and Poland got the edge. They hit line shots with intense power and took 8-4 lead. They quickly strengthened their defence and hindered their opponents’ progress. The U.S. team seemed helpless to stop Polish lead as they converted it to double-digits in no time. The points’ clock reached 19-9, which obviously put U.S. in a bad mood. The American defenders aimed to stop the Polish spikes and actually got a few kills. But still they were lagging behind Poland in the points run. Moving along with the same pace, Poland achieved the set-point and finished the set at 25-13.
Second Set
U.S. team miserably lost the first set and stepped into the second round with solemn faces. Poland was in commanding position after clinching victory in the first set. They started the 2nd set with long serves and perfect handling of ball. The Polish team was routed on the same course and attained a seven point lead (19-12) over U.S. team. Poland cruised through the second set and finished the set at 25-18. The consecutive two sets victory put a new thrill in Polish team while Americans were devastated by the shocking defeat.
Third Set
The U.S. players joined their heads and formulized a strategy for the third set. Poland had done enough damage to them and now it was time to make them repay in the game. The American players paid more attention to the motion of ball and avoided errors in handling. It brought improvement in their game and enabled them to hit back Poland. Third round was full of rage as both teams desperately rebounded ball in opponents’ court. U.S. team achieved the set-point and successfully dismantled Polish grip on the ball at 28-26. Third set declared U.S. victory, which restored their progress in the game.
Fourth Set
The U.S. team was back in the game after third set victory and they created a buzz in the fourth set. They successfully killed the speedy spikes of Poland and saved many points. The U.S. rolled out to 10-4 lead and kept on pushing the Polish defence to back-court positions. Poland tried to cover the deficit of points but they seemed out of luck. The U.S. finished the fourth set at 25-19 and levelled the game points at 2-2.
Fifth Set
The breath-taking fifth set kicked off and anxiety prevailed among fans. The air was full of guesses and estimates. Both teams put mind, body and soul to take lead but the game tied at 10-all. In the high time, U.S. scored three influential points and broke the tie. Finally U.S. achieved success by sending 15-12 win in the final set and claimed victory over Poland.
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