The Chinese women's volleyball team secured the season's first win as they made a comeback victory against the Netherlands 16-25, 25-22, 25-23, 25-23 in an intense game at the ongoing Volleyball Women's Nations League in Ankara, Turkey on Wednesday.
Despite the absence of star players Zhu Ting and Zhang Changning, the new squad delivered a good performance under great pressure.
Second spiker Wang Yuanyuan got a team's high of 21 points, followed by Gong Xiangyu's 20 points, 19 for Li Yingying and 11 for new captain Yuan Xinyue. These four players form a new line of attack.
Savelkoel Fleur (#2) of the Netherlands in action against Yuan Xinyue (#1) and Diao Linyu (#3) of China during 2022 FIVB Volleyball Women's Nations League in Ankara, Turkey, June 1, 2022. /CFP
Also on Wednesday, Belgian Britt Herbots' 31 points were not enough for her team to stop Serbia, who prevailed 14-25, 25-16,25-17, 25-22.
Ranking third in the world after Olympic champion Team USA and formidable rival Brazil, the Chinese team is 14 points ahead of host Turkey, as the two teams are set to meet on Friday.
(Cover: Chinese players celebrate during 2022 FIVB Volleyball Women's Nations League against the Netherlands in Ankara, Turkey, June 1, 2022. /CFP