The final between the U.S. and Brazil at 2019 Women's Volleyball Nations League Finals in Nanjing, July 7, 2019. /VCG Photo
The 2019 Women's Volleyball Nations League (VNL) Finals have wrapped up on Sunday in Nanjing, east China's Jiangsu Province, with the U.S. making a stunning comeback win over Brazil 3-2 (20-25, 22-25, 25-15, 25-21, 15-13).
The U.S. has become the first team to successfully defend their championship at the VNL. American opposite spiker Andrea Drews is the top scorer with 33 points.
The two world-class teams delivered an impressive and classic game since both of them boasted fast movement, strong attack and counter-attack.
Brazil won the first two sets, but wing spiker and team captain Natalia Pereira left the ground due to a foot injury.
Jordan Thompson of the U.S. (L) faces three Brazilian players' net block during the finals in Nanjing, July 7, 2019. /VCG Photo
Meanwhile, the U.S. sent seasoned wing spiker Jordan Larson to enhance attack, which proved to be effective.
After a constant trade of fireworks, the U.S. won the match point by challenging antenna touch.
Earlier, China took revenge by beating Turkey 3-1 (25-23, 25-15, 20-25, 25-21), whom they lost to in the same score earlier this week.
China's women's volleyball team wins 3rd place, waving to spectators at the award ceremony in Nanjing, July 7, 2019. /VCG Photo
During the previous five legs of the Volleyball Nations League this season, China won four titles with a glorious achievement of nine consecutive wins.
Even though China did not dispatch its top squad in an aim to train young players, and did not make it to the final, volleyball fans in Nanjing have shown their unyielding love towards the Chinese Women's Volleyball team.
Cai Mengxian, a Nanjing resident, said, "I must come and watch the game in person since we are the host. I support Chinese volleyball as always."
China's next major mission will be the Olympics qualification in early August in Beilun, east China's Zhejiang Province.
As the Olympics defending champions, China will clash with European powers of the Czech Republic, Germany as well as old rival Turkey in Group B.
Copyright © 2018 CGTN. Beijing ICP prepared NO.16065310-3
Copyright © 2018 CGTN. Beijing ICP prepared NO.16065310-3