Montreux, Switzerland, May 29, 2015 - Started off on the wrong foot, Russia fought through and finally prevailed against China, in the most exciting game of the fourth day of the Montreux Volley Masters. Despite the fierce resistance of the young Chinese, the Russians, more productive at the net, won the game and the access to the semifinals, after wrestling for four sets (18-25, 25-23,25-19, 25-?) at the Pierrier Sports Halle.
More athleticism and much more experience is what allowed Russia to win the game worth the qualification to the semifinals of the Montreux Volley Masters against the China of coach Xu. Loosing the first set was enough of a wake up call for the girls of coach Pankov, and starting fresh from set 2, the Russians took the lead and never gave it up.
Towering over the Chinese youngins, both middles and wings hitters did a sensational job at the net, pounding the higher sets of director Matienko, and putting up a solid and invulnerable block. On the other hand, the Chinese did not give in easily, and showed a fervid aggressiveness all over the court, fearlessly swinging and intrepidly blocking the tall Russians. Especially in this game, the lack of experience played a cruel trick to Liu &Co, who, already in a net physical disadvantage, could do nothing against a team of the caliber of Russia.
Daria Isaeva, already among the top scorers of yesterday’s game versus the Netherlands, enormously contributed to tonight's win bringing 22 points to her team. Noteworthy also the performance of Daria Pisarenko, who, thanks to the great connection with Matienko, was able to chip in with 15 precious points. On the Chinese team, the youngest of them all Xiangyu Gong has been among the most productive bringing 13 points to the table.
Even if they didn't make it to the semifinals of the tournament, the Chinese are not done playing, and will face Italy tomorrow at 21h.
The Russians will be up against Japan at 19h in the game worth the final.