FIVB mystery finally over: Italy’s devastating run in the final round of the Grand Prix 2010
The Italian Women National Volleyball team, which turned many heads around for an upset win against defending champion Brazil in the first-preliminary round, lost status in the 4th round after the loss of two games. Italy finished fifth-place at the end of preliminary rounds and attained 19 points.
Easy win over China
Italians entered the final phase and achieved remarkable victory in opening match against host nation, China. Italy blew them away with 3-0 victory in three plain-sets and impressed the large majority present at Beilun Gymnasium in Ningbo, China. Italy dealt with China adequately and sidelined them in a real and relatable way as they posted 25-20, 25-16, and 25-21 in respective three sets. It was a good start for Italy and their fans put high expectations on them for the next games. Somehow, the next contender, U.S. team crashed their dreams and defeated them in the second match of final round.
Heated competition with U.S. Team
The U.S. team has been making shocking waves and is considered the best team of 2010 season so far. They engaged Italians in a tough competition and didn’t give them a chance to stay on their feet. Team USA opened the first set and gained 6-3 lead over Italy in early minutes of the game. Italy put a great effort and scored next three points to tie the set at 6-all. Anyhow, Americans responded and took lead at the first technical timeout (TTO). They further maintained their lead and scored consecutive points. Italy chased the points and tied the game once again at 14-all. The game continued with strong attack from both sides but U.S. team was smart enough to achieve the game-point and finished the tiring set at 25-23.
The second set started with a serve from American Jordan Larson and she also hit the first ace of the game. Afterwards they got two kills and took lead in the second set. The American middle-blocker Foluke Akinradewo did a great job at killing Italian spikes and saved many points. U.S. lead was extended 12-8. In the meantime, Italy scored two points but U.S. outside-hitter (OH) Logan Tom won a long rally with acrobatic kill, which raised their score to 16. The game progressed while Americans restricted Italian score at 20 and achieved second set victory. Logan Tom and Destinee Hooker contributed 5 important points in second set.
Italy lost energy in third set and eventually fell back. The U.S. team had the clear signs of victory, and they came-up with stronger attack. They started with 3-0 lead and extended it to 7-0. Italian side was heavily influenced by American spikers and could score only one point in a long time. U.S was ahead in the game with 9-1 lead, and maintained the fair margin of points till the end. USA declared third-set victory by achieving 25-14. Italy badly lost the match to American team.
Japan further spoils Italian image
Italy played their third match against Japan on Friday, 27th August 2010. Japan was likely to give them a hard-time in the game as both teams finished with equal points in the preliminary round. It was their third meeting at FIVB Grand Prix 2010 Championship. In the first two games, they defeated each other in alternate matches.
The match started and Italy captured the first-set win by posting 25-23. Japan bounced back in the game and defeated Italy in second set sending 25-14. Third set was a close fight between two but finally Italy managed to steal 28-26 win in the set. Japan made its mark in the final two set and claimed match-victory via 3-2 margin.
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