China fended off a gallant stand from Canada in a four-set win, 25-16, 18-25, 25-12, 25-18, to secure its fifth victory in the 2022 FIVB Volleyball Nations League, Friday afternoon at the SMART Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
Outside hitter Li Yingying took charge for the world No. 3 team with 20 points, on 17 attacks and three aces. On the other side of the floor, opposite hitter Gong Xiangyu took care of the other side with 15 points on 13 spikes, one block, and one ace.
The Lang Ping-mentored side cruised to an early 6-0 lead in the fourth and final set as Canada struggled on the defensive side. Despite some errors plaguing China, causing Canada to save three match points, they eventually cleaned up their lines and bagged their second consecutive win in the pool.
Canada jumped on to an early lead in the opening set with China’s reception still building up, but when the Asian side got their bearings, they took a 7-2 run to the lead at 12-8 heading into the first technical timeout. Canada rallied and cut the deficit to 11-15, but their errors in the crucial stages of the set saw China with the set advantage at 25-16.
In the second set, Canada executed adjustments on their floor coverage anchored on their libero Arielle Palermo to pepper China with attacks in transition. With Canada’s net defense also in place, the Shannon Winzler-coached side equalized with a 25-18 scoreline in the second.
It was China’s turn to inject changes into their defensive alignment and two straight blocks for a 10-4 lead forced Canada to call for time. The lead ballooned to 11, 19-8, as Canada tried to solve the Wang Yuanyuan serve. The margin eventually was too much and China got back the set advantage, 25-12.
Wang, a middle blocker, also added 12 points off seven attacks, four blocks, and a service ace.
Kiera Van Ryk led Canada once more with 14 points built on 13 attacks and an ace, while Hilary Howe added 11 markers, all on attacks.
China (5-1) will try to move up the leaderboard when they take on familiar foes in the USA (5-1) on June 18 at 7 p.m. On the other hand, Canada (3-4) will close their Philippine pool campaign against Bulgaria (1-5) earlier in the day at 11 a.m.
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