Germany and Japan one step closer to semi-finals: 2011 Montreux Volley Masters
The gripping Volleyball action of Montreux Volley Masters is underway in the Swiss town with eight women’s teams from different parts of the world. Germany is grouped with China, United States and Peru in Pool A, while Japan is playing under the tag of Pool
B teams along with Netherlands, Italy and Cuba. The tournament was officially opened on Tuesday, June 7 and it is scheduled to complete its run on the weekend, June 12. Germany and Japan moved one step closer to the semi-finals after winning their matches
on Wednesday, June 8.
Japan vs. Italy 3-0 (25-17, 25-19, and 25-20)
It was the first meeting of Japan and Italy in the competition. The match started out on a high note as the Japanese girls formed good combinations and scored points via the early strike of volleys. The equally active Italian players also spiked the ball
hard and responded in the same tone. Japan led the score with a small margin before the second technical timeout. However, Italians dropped a few easy shots and suffered a set-back. They trailed behind and gave way to the better status of the Japanese teams.
First set ended with the final score of 25-17.
Second set of the match played out like the previous set. The opening phase of the match was a point to point battle. Italian spikers threw everything in attack and tried to seek revenge from the Japanese squad. In response, pumped-up Japanese players also
spiked hard. Long rallies were exchanged and gradually Japan overcame their opponents as Italy could not save the second set either. The game entered third decisive set and it was another impressive play by Japanese squad but Italy’s reception was commendable.
The final whistle of referee announced Japan as the winner of the match.
Germany vs. Peru 3-0 (25-20, 25-10, and 25-20)
It was the last match on the second day of the tournament, which featured the teams from Germany and Peru. The Peruvian girls set the pace with commanding serves in the first set. Germans had a little shaky start in the game as the Peruvian side tried to put
pressure on the Germans. However, outside hitter Margaretta Kozuch put up a valiant effort and put her team in the lead. Germans stuck to the same strategy and capitalised to secure the opening set with margin of five points.
The success in opening set provided to be a big boost to the Germans. They played fast in the second set and did not allow the Peruvians a single chance to score points. The long jump-serves and a variety of cut shots enabled Germany to totally control the
game. Peru’s team couldn’t stand the powerful strike and lost the second set in a humiliating way. They could only score 10 points and were defeated by 10 points.
The Peruvian team bounced back in third set and hit some convincing shots. However, Germany was all set to walk away winners. They came from the back-row attack and covered the length of the third set with success. They built up a score of 25-20 and claimed
match victory.
The women’s elite international competition, 2011 FIVB Grand Prix, is set to take place from August 5-28. All the participants of Montreux Volley Masters are supposed to compete at the FIVB Grand Prix. The experience gained through this current campaign
will surely benefit them in the coming big tournament.
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