Jiangsu crowned China women's volleyball champions in comeback win

Jiangsu ended an eight-year title drought in spectacular fashion, overcoming a spirited Shanghai challenge to secure the China Women's Volleyball League championship with a 3-1 victory in Tuesday's decisive second match, completing a 2-0 series sweep.

The hosts carried momentum from their dominant 3-0 away win in Saturday's opener but faced early resistance as Shanghai exploded from the gates. Leveraging a formidable blocking game, Shanghai raced to a 19-11 first-set advantage before closing it out 25-17.

Jiangsu regrouped in the second frame, elevating their defensive intensity to neutralize Shanghai's middle attack. A pivotal 6-0 run shifted momentum, with Jiangsu leveling the match 25-21.

The championship turned in a razor-tight third set where both teams traded blows to 22-22. Jiangsu's triple threat of Wu Mengjie, Gong Xiangyu, and Zhang Changning proved decisive, combining to seize the set 25-22. 

Shanghai appeared poised to force a decider when leading 22-16 in the fourth, only to unravel spectacularly. Jiangsu capitalized on a cascade of the visitors' spiking errors, orchestrating an improbable 8-0 run capped by Wu Mengjie's championship-clinching crosscourt rocket.  

In the opener against Shanghai, Wu made a significant impact, scoring 18 points and establishing herself as the primary offensive force of the match. On Tuesday, the 22-year-old outside hitter continued to shine, contributing another 17 points, which earned her the well-deserved title of Most Valuable Player.

"I'm really thrilled to win this match and the MVP title," Wu beamed. "The early stages of this league were not smooth for me, and I went through some tough times. I feel like I've grown in this league, both mentally and technically. I believe my goals for volleyball have become even clearer in my heart."