Poland breaks winning streak of Japan in second round of 2011 Girls’ Youth World Championship
Poland sent Japan to first defeat in the second round of the 2011 FIVB Girls’ Youth World Championship. Poles exhibited a stellar performance and successfully broke the three-match winning streak of Japan.
They built the score 3-1 (25-23, 25-17, 21-25, and 25-20) and pushed Japanese behind. It was the last match of second-round in Pool F, which was played at Baskent Sports Hall in Ankara, Turkey.
Japan’s Nozomi Ito was named the top-scorer of the match. She registered 17 points (16 on attacks). On the other hand, Poland was greatly supported by Aleksandra Wojcik, who played an instrumental role in her team’s victory. She put up a valiant effort and
added 16 points on 14 attacks and two serves. Polish team had the advantage at the net, scoring with twelve blocks, while Japan finished with two.
Opening set was a point-to-point battle. Japanese side opened the play in their usual style. They spread over the net and took their positions. The hard spikes of Nozomi Ito allowed Japan to take one-point lead at the first technical break. Polish players
carefully analysed the situation and responded to Japanese strike. Solid blocking and good passing between players helped Poland to control the game. They stopped Japan at 12 and went ahead with 16 points. However, the resilient rival Japan was not easy to
overcome. Japanese girls fought back and created the dead-lock of scores at 21-all. As the first set entered the ending phase, Poland brought more ferocity in attack. They played fast and covered the length of first set with 2-point lead (25-23).
Second set also came successful for Poland and they strengthened their grip on the game with 2-set lead over Japan. First two sets of the match slipped through the hands of Japanese team but they made a great comeback in the third set. Poland could not keep
the same energy in third set and received 21-25 defeat, which added a new flavour in the match. Anyhow, Poland crushed Japanese plans and put an end to the match in fourth set. They won fourth set and announced match victory.
Japanese mentor Ichiro Hanzawa congratulated the Poles for putting up a better show of volleyball. He explained the injured player Yui Asahi was severely missed out in the match. She had supported Team Japan in previous matches but her absence made a big
different. Hanzawa said that were not able to build a new system in just two days. Kaho Maruta, the captain of Japan regretted the loss of first match in second round.
She stated, “It is our first loss. I’m not happy, but we have to continue with hard work and focus on the next match.”
Poland’s Head Coach, Andrzej Pec was totally satisfied with his team’s performance. He complimented them in his comments, “I’m proud of my players, they played on a very high level tonight, especially at the net. This is our first set to the final four.”
Iga Chojnacka of Poland disclosed her thoughts after the match. She said they were afraid of Japan but kept focused on the target and pulled off success in the match.
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