Volleyball Update: USA opens the 2010 FIVB Women’s World Championship on a good note
The 2010 World Grand Prix champions, the Women’s National Volleyball Team of USA crushed Thailand 3-1 (23-25, 25-17, 25-17, and 25-21) in the first combat of FIVB World Championship in Matsumoto, Japan. The women’s big volleyball extravaganza is underway
in Japan with all its flavours. The event is attended by 24 teams from all around the world. The Team USA is among the top-three contenders that are considered most deserving for the title trophy of this championship.
The opening match of the first-round was staged at Matsumoto City Gymnasium on Friday, 29th October, 2010. The in-form American team demonstrated mesmerizing game and clinched victory over Thailand after a gruelling 4-set battle.
First Set
The match was opened with an average pace. Both sides looked at each other and took a little time to settle in their positions. The early phase of the game saw too many service errors from USA, which promptly helped Thailand’s score. The game progressed
in same style up till first technical timeout (FTT). Somehow, the U.S. team gradually got the rhythm and tone for better play. They improved on service and hit the ball in opponents’ court with accuracy. In the meantime, Jordan Larson of America produced authentic
spikes, which earned them a useful lead of two points. Afterwards, Larson grasped the game plan and targeted the same area.
The situation got better for U.S. but still the resilient Thailand’s team was very resistant. They blocked the powerful shots and stayed at a close difference. Thailand’s setter, Nootsara Tomkom had great skills to float the ball in air with perfect timing.
She also helped her team’s score by tricky bump passes, which couldn’t be stopped by American players. Logan Tom and Destinee Hooker of USA formed good chemistry and continued hitting convincing shots. Despite of good effort, USA couldn’t push Thailand behind.
The ending moments of the set came, while Thailand sparked on the scene and ended the first set with 25-23 victory over USA.
Second Set
The first set victory enabled Thailand to begin the second set with confident shots. The charged-up Thailand’s team got the competitive edge and tried to put pressure on American side. On top of it, USA created more chances for them with their own mistakes.
They had the same service problems in second set. However, Akinradewo of USA worked out good spikes and struggled to raise the score. The powerful hit by Desitnee Hooker and Akinradewo saved American reputation. USA was 2 points ahead of Thailand at the first
technical timeout. Thailand came up with strong attack as the game resumed. They used the combination of Malika Kanthong and Pleumjit who created a lot of trouble for USA’s defence expert. The game turned into a heated competition as both teams tried hard
to get advantage over each other.
The U.S. team changed the attack strategy and hit nice shots from the back row. They found the gaps in Thailand’s half and hit the ball with good pace. The new attack strategy and better defence in second set enabled USA to claim the victory at 25-17.
Third Set
The game was levelled at 1-1 and USA successfully recovered from the shock of defeat in the opening set of the match. They continued with same spirit and earned 5-1 lead at the first technical timeout in third set. Thailand’s Sittirak tried to break the
flow of American score but she failed to do so. The U.S. hitters showed no mercy to Thailand and devastated the enemy lines with a delivery of unstoppable spikes. Americans repeated the same score of 25-17 and took a lead in the game.
Fourth Set
Thailand’s squad hit back in the fourth set and earned early points in the game. They attacked aggressively and built a lead of 11-8 over USA. Thailand’s dominance was short-lived as American returned in the game and took the lead at 16-15. Afterwards, they
didn’t stop and thrashed 25-21 victory over Thailand. America won the first match of the tournament and celebrated the brilliant triumph
Tags: