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[Smallville22]

Brazil prevail against USA on day one at Nagoya

Nagoya, Japan, November 12, 2013 - Olympic champions Brazil downed the United States 26-24, 26-24, 25-20 in their round-robin match at the FIVB Women's Grand Champions Cup on Tuesday.
In a rematch of the gold medal game at the London Olympics, Brazil held off a strong challenge from the Americans. It was the third victory of the year for the South Americans in head-to-head matches with the Americans.
The first two sets were close, and the U.S. appeared to have the second one in hand, before letting it slip away.
Brazil exhibited strong defense at the net and showed poise under pressure on the key points throughout the contest.
Fernanda Rodrigues and Natalia Pereira paced Brazil in the victory with 13 points each. Veteran Sheilla Castro, selected MVP of the match, chipped in with 8 points. Kelly Murphy scored a match-high 14 points in the loss.
Brazil scored with 10 blocks -three apiece by Adenizia Silva and Fabiola Souza- to 5 by the defeated side. The winners held a 2-0 margin in aces.
A spike by Fabiana Claudino tied the score 4-4 early in the first set. The U.S. took an 8-7 lead into the first TTO on a spike by Alisha Glass.The U.S. went up 10-8 on a spike by Murphy. Brazil moved ahead 11-10 when a spike sailed long. The U.S. retook the lead 14-13 on a spike by Lauren Gibbemeyer. Pereira's spike went wide and the U.S. was up 16-15 at the first TTO.
Brazil moved ahead 17-16 on a reception error by the U.S. A missed spike by Brazil tied it 19-19 and they moved ahead on a spike by Pereira. Late in the first set there were several lengthy rallies that the fans responded to. A reception error moved the Brazilians ahead 22-20 and a spike by Rodrigues put the South Americans within two points of the set. Brazil called a timeout while leading 23-22. Cursty Jackson served into the net for 24-22. The U.S. fought back to equalize 24-24, but Brazil took the set 26-24 on a spike by Rodrigues. Pereira and Rodrigues had five points each in the set. Murphy led the U.S. with six.
Kristin Hildebrand sent a serve long to put Brazil up 5-4 in the second set. A dink by Adenizia Silva sent Brazil into the first TTO with an 8-5 lead. A well-placed serve by Pereira made it 10-7. Hildebrand's dink tied it 12-12. The U.S. scored twice more to lead 14-12 and Brazil called a timeout. Pereira missed a spike at the end of a long rally and the U.S. was on top 16-14 at the second TTO.
Sheila Castro launched a spike wide and the U.S. moved ahead 18-16. Both sides were substituting liberally as the set remained tight. A dink by Castro knotted it 19-19 and the U.S. called a timeout. Tandara Caixeta sent a spike long and the U.S. moved back in front 20-19. Casto tied it at 21-21 with another powerful spike. Jordan Larson-Burbach hammered a spike and the U.S. was two points from taking the set at 23-22. On set point Glass served into the net and it was tied again 24-24. The U.S. then fired a spike long and Brazil claimed the set 26-24 on another unforced error by the U.S.
The U.S. moved out to a 4-3 lead in the third set on a spike by Paolini. The U.S. boosted the margin to 8-4 at the first TTO. Murphy sent a spike long and Brazil pulled within three points at 10-7. The U.S. hit the antenna with a shot and led by just one at 10-9. Castro's spike tied it 12-12. Brazil moved ahead 11-10 when the U.S. had trouble with a reception. U.S. coach Karch Kiraly called a timeout to try and slow the momentum the Brazilians had established. The U.S. tied it 12-12 on an unforced error by Brazil. A fine blcok by Adenizia Silva made it 15-13 for Brazil. The U.S. fired a spike long and Brazil had a 16-13 lead at the second TTO.
Monique Marinho's spike put Brazil up by five at 18-13 as the U.S. scrambled to halt the assault. Silva's block made it 19-14 and Brazil was surging toward the finish line. The U.S. led 13-12, before Brazil reeled off seven straight points. Castro soared for a spike to give Brazil match point at 24-19. Brazil closed out the match on a service error by the U.S.

 

[Smallville22]

Japan edge Russia in four sets

Nagoya, Japan, November 12, 2013 - Yuki Ishii's match-high 22 points led host Japan to a four-set victory 3-1 (25-20, 26-28, 25-16, 26-24) over Russia at the Women's World Grand Champions Cup on Tuesday night.
Japan coach Masayoshi Manabe fielded a team which included five members of the 2012 Olympic bronze medal squad against the European champions.
What started out as a fairly sluggish affair in the first set heated up in the second with some exciting play from both sides.
Japan took the initiative in the third set with some outstanding defense and fine passing as Russia had problems receiving and the final set proved highly entertaining with the Japan staging a late rally to claim the match.
Star spiker Saori Kimura and team-mate Saori Sakoda added 17 points each for Japan in the win. Riho Otake and Risa Shinnabe chipped in with 13 and 12 points, respectively.
Natalia Malykh was the top scorer for Russia with 16 points in the loss.
Japan held an 11-2 advantage in service winners while Russia finished with 14 blocks to 6 by the winning side.
Japan established a 5-3 lead in the first set behind some nice serves from Kimura. Russia tied it 6-6 on a hugs spike by Anastasia Shlyakhovaya. Japan led 8-6 at the first technical time out (TTO) after a reception error by Russia. A spike by Risa Shinnabe put Japan ahead 11-9. Kimura's crosscourt spike gave Japan a 14-13 edge. Japan was on top 16-14 at the second TTO.
Kimura blasted a spike out of the TTO to make it 17-14 for Japan. A Sakoda spike and service ace by Kimura made it 19-16 and Russia took a timeout. A reception error by Natalia Dianskaya took it to 20-17. Sakoda made a fine save and Yuki Ishii blasted a spike for 21-17. Malykh's spike drew Russia within 22-20, but she then served into the net and Japan was two points from taking the set 25-20 Japan claimed the set on a pair of nice serves by Akari Oumi. Kimura had seven points in the set, while Malykh tallied eight.
A spike by Victoria Chaplina staked Russia to a 6-2 lead in the second set. Riho Otake delivered consecutive service aces and Japan was within 7-5. Russia led 8-5 at the first TTO on a spike by Iuliia Morozova. A nice block at the net by Sakoda made it 9-7. Malykh hammered a spike and Russia led 11-9. Kimura showed off her skills with a deft dink for 12-10. Liubov Shashkova's spike gave Russia a 15-12 margin. Japan equalised at 15-15 when Russia could not handle an Ishii spike. Russia led 16-15 at the second TTO.
Ishii finished a long rally with a spike and the score was even again at 17-17. Shashkova soared for a crosscourt spike and Russia was ahead 20-18. Malykh spiked to put Russia on the verge of taking the set at 23-19. With Russia up 24-19, Japan saved five set points to level at 24-24. A block by Nana Iwasaka gave Japan set point at 25-24. Japan's run of six straight points ended on a service error by Kimura. A dink by Chaplina gave Russia its fifth set point, but once again Japan rose to the occasion and it was 26-26. Russia finally claimed the set on its sixth try 28-26.
A service ace by Otake gave Japan a 5-2 lead in the third set. Sakoda's block made it 7-2 and she then soared for a spike to put Japan up 8-3 at the first TTO. Russia had trouble receiving and Japan's advantage moved to 10-3. A Kimura block and an unforced error by Russia put Japan on top 13-3. Japan was really in a groove now and a Sakoda block ballooned to lead to 15-3. Japan made some incredible saves and was up 16-3 at the second TTO.
Russia pulled with 18-9 and Japan called a timeout. A block by Evegniya Startseva cut Russia's deficit to seven at 19-12. Shinnabe's spike stopped the Russian charge and made it 20-13. Japan made several unforced errors to open the door for Russia. Kimura's spike put Japan on top 23-16 and Russia called a timeout. A return error gave Japan the set 25-16.
A dink by Ishii gave Japan a 6-4 edge in the fourth set. Russia tied it 7-7 after an extended rally despite a desperation dive by Kimura. Japan took an 8-7 lead into the first TTO. Otake's spike made it 12-9. Russia fought back to level at 14-14, before a Sakoda spike made it 15-14. Japan had a 16-15 edge at the second TTO.
Russia moved on top 18-17 went Kimura fired a spike wide and a reception error made it 19-17. Japan quickly tied it 19-19, but Russia responded with a spike for 20-19. Sakoda sent a spike wide and Russia was ahead 22-19. A net infraction pulled Japan within one at 23-22 and they tied it 23-23 on a reception error. Japan saved a set point on a sublime spike by Ishii. Russia botched the ensuing reception and Japan clinched the match on a block by Sakoda.

 

[Smallville22]

Brazil claim one-sided victory over Thailand

Nagoya, Japan, November 13, 2013 - Olympic champion Brazil defeated Thailand in straight sets 25-18, 25-17, 25-17 on Wednesday in their round-robin match at the FIVB World Grand Champions Cup.
The comprehensive victory improved Brazil's record to 2-0 and the maximum six points in the competition.
Thailand had difficulty dealing with the height of the South Americans and fell to 0-2 with the defeat.
Adenizia Silva and Tandara Caixeta led the Brazilians with 14 points in the win. Veteran Waslewska Oliveira contributed 10 points in the victory.
Onuma Sittirak was the top scorer with 12 for Thailand in the loss.
Brazil received and passed well in the clinical triumph, which saw it record 17 points on blocks.
Thailand established a 5-3 lead in the first set following a spike by Tomkom Nootsara. Brazil surged back with five straight points to lead 8-5 at the first TTO. Caixeta blasted a spike to extend the lead to 11-6. A nice dink by Silva ended an extended rally and put Brazil up 13-9. A block by Sheilla Castro made it 15-10 and Caixeta's spike sent Brazil into the second TTO with a 16-11 margin.
Onuma's spike into the net gave Brazil a 19-14 lead. Caixeta spiked again and it was 21-14. Brazil ran some nice option plays on the way to the big lead. A block by Silva put Brazil within two points of the set at 23-16. Another block by Brazil gave them the set at 25-18. Silva and Caixeta had six points in the set, while Onuma tallied eight.
Castro's service ace put Brazil in front 5-3 in the second set. Brazil showed it could play a finesse game as well as a power one with some deft dinks on the way to an 8-3 lead at the first TTO. A reception error by Onuma boosted the Brazilian advantage to 11-3. Thinkaow Pleumjit's spike made it 14-5 as Thailand tried to reduce the deficit. Silva's spike gave Brazil a 16-8 lead at the second TTO.
Onuma did her best at the net, but was repeatedly met with a wall of Brazilian defenders repelling her spikes. Kanthong Malika connected on a spike for 18-10. After Thailand pulled within six points at 18-12, Brazil called a timeout. Silva soared for a spike and Brazil was ahead 20-13. Pleumjit's dink made it 22-15. Walewska Oliveira gave Brazil a set point at 24-16 with a spike. They claimed the set 25-17 when Thailand could not handle a spike by Silva.
Brazil kept up their aggressive play in the final set and led a 8-4 at the first TTO after a spike by Fabiola Sousa. Pleujmit's spike made it 9-5. Thailand moved with four at 11-7 after an extended rally ended with a spike by Kanthong Malika. A service ace by Silva took it to 14-8. A reception error by Brazil pulled Thailand within three points at 15-12. Caixeta's spike put Brazil up 16-13 at the second TTO.
Another spike by Caixeta took the score to 20-14 as Brazil looked to close out the match. Onuma could not handle a pass and Thailand took a final timeout while trailing 22-15. A huge spike by Caixeta made it match point and Brazil closed it out on a final spike by Caixeta.

 

[Smallville22]

Russia outblock Dominican Republic to notch first win

Nagoya, Japan, November 13, 2013 - European champion Russia notched up its first victory with a four-set win (25-14, 22-25, 25-22, 25-15) over the Dominican Republic in their World Grand Champions Cup round-robin match on Wednesday.
Both sides have now win-loss records of 1-1 in the six-team competition as the Russians extended their dominance over Dominican Republic to 10-0 in head-to-head matches.
Victoriia Chaplina recorded a match-high 19 points for Russia. Liubov Shashkova contributed 16 in the win while Iulia Morozova added 11 tallies.
Prisilla Rivera and Bethania De La Cruz led the Dominicans with 12 points apiece. Gina Mambru added 11 points.
Russia's huge frontline presented problems for the Dominican Republic from the outset of the match. The European team recorded a tournament-high 21 blocks with Morozova and Natalia Dianskaya leading the way with six and five, respectively.
There were very few extended rallies in the contest as both sides relied upon a power game to score.
The Dominican Republic played much better in the second set by displaying good teamwork.
The third set belonged to the Dominicans until they fell apart late and allowed Russia to go on a 10-2 run to take it.
Russia took charge in the fourth set as the Dominican Republic made several unforced errors.
A spike by Natalia Malykh put Russia up 4-1 in the first set. A fine block by Iuliia Morozova made it 6-2. Niverka Marte's spike for the Dominican Republic took the score to 7-3 Russia led 8-4 at the first TTO following. Anastasia Shylakhovaya uncorked a crosscourt spike to put Russia in front 11-6. A powerful spike by Shashkova boosted the advantage to 15-7. Chaplina's spike sent Russia into the second TTO up 16-9.
Marte's spike made it 17-10 as the Dominicans tried to keep contact. Daria Isaeva's spike increased the lead to 20-10. The Dominicans had trouble with receiving and Russia continued to move toward the set. A service error by Rivera put Russia within two points at 23-13. Russia claimed the set on a service error by Candida Arias.
The Dominican Republic took a 5-4 lead in the second set on a nice dink by Rivera. Gina Mambru soared for a spike off a nice feed by Brenda Castillo and the Dominicans led 8-5 at the first TTO. Russia missed a spike and the count went to 10-7. Rivera then launched a service ace as the Caribbeans tried to build momentum. Marte's deft dink took the tally to 12-9. A nice option play by Russia resullted in a spike by Morozova and tied it 12-12. Isaeva's spike put Russia in front 14-13. A service error by De La Cruz saw Russia lead 16-15 at the second TTO.
A service ace by Vargas put the Dominicans back in the lead at 17-16. Shlyakhovaya sent a spike into the net and the Dominicans were on top 20-18. Trailing 23-19, Russia called a timeout. A service error by Isaeva gave the Dominican Republic set point at 24-20. Isaeva sent a spike long and the Dominicans took the set 25-22.
Rivera spotted a soft return into an empty space in the center of the Russia defense as the Dominican Republic took a 5-4 lead in the third set. The Dominicans led 8-6 after the first TTO following a passing mistake by Russia. Mambru's crosscourt spike made it 10-8 for the Dominicans. A dink by Isaeva took it to 13-11. Vargas fired a service ace and the Dominican Republic took a 16-11 margin into the second TTO.
Brayelin Martinez kept up the Dominican charge with a spike that made it 19-13. When Malykh sent a spike long the lead was 20-15. Russia then went on a 5-1 to run to pull within a point at 21-20. A rare long rally ended with a Russian block and the score was knotted 22-22. Shashakov just got a spike over the net and Russia pulled ahead 23-22. A huge spike by Chaplina gave Russia set point at 24-22. Vargas sent a serve wide and Russia captured the set 25-22.
Shashkova's spike staked Russia to a 5-4 lead in the fourth set. Malykh drove another spike and Russia led 8-6 at the first TTO. After falling behind 12-7, the Dominican Republic called a timeout to try and stop the slide. It was 14-10 after a service error by Marte. Russia was up 16-10 at the second TTO.
Good defense led to a 19-11 Russia lead and the Dominicans took a timeout. Another Shashkova spike made it 22-15 as the Russians looked to complete the victory. They clinched it when the Dominicans could not handle a final spike.

 

[Smallville22]

Larson and Murphy pace USA over Japan

Nagoya, Japan, November 13, 2013 - The United States defeated Japan in four sets (25-19, 25-19, 19-25, 25-21) in their round-robin match at the FIVB World Grand Champions Cup on Wednesday night.
The result left both sides with 1-1 records as the event moves to Tokyo and resumes play on Friday.
Jordan Larson-Burbach and Kelly Murphy paced the U.S. with 20 points apiece in the triumph. Kristin Hildebrand added 16, including four blocks. Yuki Ishii was the top scorer for Japan with 19 points. Saori Kimura had 13 in the loss.
A day after losing to Olympic champion Brazil in straight sets, the U.S. was all business.
Despite several early mistakes, the U.S. took charge in the first set and had the momentum for the majority of it.
Japan, which beat European champion Russia in its opening match on Tuesday, came out sluggish and had trouble mobilizing its attack.
The U.S. did a good job of neutralizing Japan star Saori Sakoda, who had only three points through the first two sets, one night after she notched 17 against Russia.
The Americans executed well in all facets of the game in the victory. Japan struggled with receiving throughout the evening.
A block by Kristin Hildebrand put the U.S. up 5-4 in the first set. A spike by Kimura moved Japan ahead 6-5. Six of Japan's first seven points came off U.S. errors. The U.S. led 8-7 at the first TTO. Sakoda soared for a spike and Japan was done by one at 11-10. A spike by Yuki Ishii tied it 13-13. Hildebrand's spike mad it 15-13 for the U.S. A high block by Hildebrand sent the U.S. into the first TTO with a 16-13 lead.
The U.S. extended its lead to 19-15 on a spike by Lauren Paolini and Japan called a timeout. Jordan Larson-Burbach elevated for a crosscourt spike and the margin grew to 22-15. Lauren Gibbemeyer's spike gave the U.S. set point at 24-18. Gibbemeyer ended the set 25-19 with another spike. Hildebrand and Larson each have five points in the set.
The U.S. counld not handle an Ishii spike and Japan went ahead 5-4 in the second set. Kimura's spike made it 7-6 for Japan. She then connected on another and Japan was on top 8-7 at the first TTO. An Ishii spike gave Japan a 12-10 edge. Hildebrand's spike pulled the U.S. within one at 13-12. The U.S. then pulled ahead at 15-13 with two more points from Hildebrand and Japan called a timeout. The U.S. led 16-13 at the second TTO.
A Paolini spike put the U.S. up 18-15. The U.S. was in front 20-16 after Japan was unable to handle a spike. Gibbemeyer ended the longest rally of the match with a spike and the U.S. was two points from the set at 23-16. The U.S. made several fine defensive plays to keep plays alive. Japan ran off three straight points and the U.S. called a timeout. Yukino Nagamitsu sent a serve long and the U.S. had set point at 24-19. Kelly Murphy gave the set to the U.S. at 25-19 with a thunderous spike.
Japan came out determined in the third set and grabbed an 8-4 lead at the first TTO after a U.S. spike went long. A Kimura spike put Japan up 10-5 and it looked like they had finally found their footing. A nice return by Miyu Nagaoka gave Japan a 14-9 edge and the U.S. took a timeout. Akari Oumi sent Japan into the second TTO with a 16-9 lead on a spike.
Murphy blasted a spike as the U.S. pulled back within four at 16-12 and Japan called a timeout. A spike by Oumi put the Japan lead back at five ata 19-14. Nagoaka's spike made it 21-14 as Japan moved closer to the set. A U.S. return was wide and Japan was ahead 23-16. A net infraction gave Japan set point at 24-16. The U.S. fought back with three straight points. A block by Nana Iwasaka gave Japan the set 25-19.
A Larson-Burbach spike gave the U.S. a 5-4 lead in the fourth set. Ishii equalized at 6-6 with a spike. Paolini's dink made it 7-6 for the U.S. The Americans led 8-7 at the first TTO. Murphy scored three straight points and the U.S. went up 11-8. Hildebrand made it 13-8 with a spike. Oumi served into the net and the U.S. led 15-12. The U.S. was in front 16-12 at the second TTO.
Kimura's spike brought Japan within three at 17-14 and U.S. coach Karch Kiraly took a timeout. A Larson-Burbach spike made it 19-15. Hildebrand's block put the U.S. up 21-17 and the summit was clearly in sight. When Murphy fired a spike long, Japan was within two at 21-19. Murphy connected with another spike and the U.S. was two points from the win at 23-20. After Oumi could not handle a shot, it was match point for the U.S. It ended with one final spike from Murphy.

 

[Smallville22]

Brazil drop first set but rally to beat Dominican Republic 3-1

Tokyo, Japan, November 15, 2013 – Brazil dropped their first set of the FIVB World Grand Champions Cup on Friday but rallied to overcome the Dominican Republic 3-1 (25-20, 25-15, 22-25, 25-19) at the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium.
Brazil now has nine points from a 3-0 record while the Dominican Republic dropped to 1-2 for three points.
The Olympic champions and world's top ranked team improved their lifetime record against Dominican Republic to 15-0 in FIVB competitions.
Bethania De La Cruz of the Dominican Republic was the top scorer in the match with 21 points, while the top scorer for Brazil was Sheilla Castro with 20 points.
Natalia Pereira and Fernanda Garay each registered 13 points for the winners. Dominicans Prisilla Rivera and Gina Mambru finished with 13 and 9 points, respectively.
Brazil outblocked the Dominicans 11-7, while both teams earned three service points. The Dominicans committed 28 errors to Brazil’s 21.
Neither team got into a good rhythm early on but the Dominicans had a good three-point spurt to go two points ahead at 7-5. Despite a fine ace by Annerys Vargas, the Dominicans’ serving let them down too often. For Brazil, Fernanda Rodrigues landed some heavy hits, while Prisilla Rivera also showed her power for the Dominicans. A huge blast by Rivera pulled her team to within a point at 16-15, but from then on the Brazilians pulled away. Dominican Republic coach Marcos Kwiek called timeouts at 18-15 and 20-16 but some robust hitting by Fabiana Claudino steered Brazil into a 1-0 lead.
An ace by Walewska Oliveira helped Brazil into an early three-point lead in the second set and they stretched that to six points at 11-5 before a sharp shot from Candida Arias put the brakes on. Brenda Castillo the showed why she is one of the best liberos in the world with three sensational digs and De La Cruz landed some good hits, but it wasn’t enough to stop the Brazilians. A thumping drive by Tandara Caixeta brought up setpoint and a Fabiana shot sealed the set, putting Brazil 2-0 up.
The Dominicans dug in at the start of the third set with Gina Mambru landing a couple of big blows and they played with more confidence than in the second set while the Brazilians started to make errors. Two good serves by De La Cruz helped put the Dominicans 16-14 ahead at the second technical timeout and after a netted shot by Walweska, Brazil coach Ze Roberto called his first timeout of the match. Rivera then stretched her team’s lead to four points at 18-14 with a crisp kill. Both teams started to fight hard, but the Dominicans weren’t about to give up their lead. They were five points ahead at 23-18 after a long shot by Caixeta and earned four setpoints after a spike by De La Cruz through the Brazilian block. Brazil pulled two points back before a mixup handed the set to the Dominican Republic.
The Dominicans failed to capitalise on their good form in the third set and allowed Brazil to quickly establish a four-point lead at 6-2 in the fourth set. But then the Brazilians lost their way and two good plays by De La Cruz saw the gap narrow to one point at 8-7. Sheilla restored Brazil’s lead to four points at 12-8 with two good shots but the Dominicans kept fighting and were only a point behind at 15-14. Fernanda sent down a rocket to make it 16-14 at the second TTO and came up with a good block on Vargas that saw Brazil lead 18-14. From then on, Brazil weren’t in danger. Sheilla delivered a couple of deep spikes and she brought up matchpoint with another strong shot. A block by Natalia Pereira then sealed the match for Brazil.

 

[Smallville22]

USA win tough five-setter against Russia in Grand Champions Cup

Alisha Glass of USA concentrates against Russia
Tokyo, Japan, November 15, 2013 – USA had to fight hard against a strong Russian team before emerging 3-2 (16-25, 25-22, 25-19, 24-26, 15-13) winners on the third day of the FIVB World Grand Champions Cup at Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium on Friday.
The win saw USA raise their record to 2-1 for five points, while Russia dropped to 1-2 and four points.
Natalia Malykh was the top scorer in the match with 26 points, while the Americans’ top scorer was Jordan Larson-Burbach with 23. USA setter Alisha Glass was named Player of the Match.
Nicole Fawcett contributed 15 points, including three big aces, to the victory, while Kirstin Hillebrand and Lauren Gibbemeyer added 12 and 10, respectively, in the win. Russia's Liuvob Shashkova finished with 22 in the losing effort.
Russia had the advantage in blocking points 17-9, while USA dominated the serving 9-2. Both sides committed 24 errors.
The Americans started the match badly. Natalia Malykh landed two big spikes and a missed set saw USA drop to 0-4, when coach Karch Kiraly called a timeout. The Americans picked up their first point with a good hit by Lauren Gibbermeyer to make the score 6-1, but the Russians were six points clear at the first technical timeout. Kiraly called his second timeout a point later to try and settle his team, but everything seemed to be going Russia’s way. At 12-3, the Americans started to find their game and give the Russians something to think about. Kristin Hildebrand launched some rockets and when USA closed the gap to 20-15, Russia coach Iury Marichev called a timeout. But the Russians had missile launchers of their own and Liubov Shashkova and Daria Isaeva steered their team to a 1-0 lead.
Russia maintained their good rhythm at the start of the second set. Anastasia Shiyakhovaya and Malykh delivered some meaty kills and a block by Victoria Chaplina on Nicole Fawcett saw the Russians five points ahead at the first TTO. The Americans fought back with successive blocks – Hildebrand on Shashkova and Fawcett on Chaplina – as they kept the pressure on the Russians and narrowed the gap to two points at 13-11, when Marichev hauled his players off court. USA drew level at 17-17 after successive mistakes by Chaplina, but two wayward shots by Hildebrand restored Russia’s two-point lead and Kiraly called a timeout. USA drew level again on a superbly placed shot by Fawcett and Marichev called his second timeout when the Americans went into the lead for the first time at 20-19 after a powerful thump by Jordan Larson-Burbach. Two more big hits by the American put USA in control and they earned four setpoints on a rotation error, which was symptomatic of how Russia had lost their muse. Cursty Jackson delivered the final blow to even the match at 1-1.
Two good first-time tipovers at the net by setter Ekaterina Pankova allowed Russia to take a one-point lead at the first TTO of the third set and after a misplaced shot by Fawcett allowed Russia to go ahead 13-10, Kiraly called a timeout. Two more USA errors gave the Russians a five-point lead at the second TTO. Five points later, they didn’t have any lead at all. USA ended an eight-point run three points ahead at 19-16 and the Russians were clearly rattled. Pankova was yellow-carded after being penalised for a double touch and with the score at 23-18, Marichev called a timeout. But it was too late to change anything. A thunderbolt from Fawcett brought up setpoint and Jackson again had the honour of delivering the winning hit, putting USA 2-1 up.
Back came Russia with a strong start to the fourth set. Shashkova opened up with two kills and was supported by a brace from Malykh. After a block by Shashkova on Fawcett, Kiraly called a timeout at 1-5 and Larson-Burbach responded with two good kills. But Malykh reasserted Russian dominance with a block on Fawcett and two thunderous spikes that put her team 8-3 ahead. Marichev called a timeout after Fawcett scored with a big hit down the line and a block on Chaplina that narrowed the gap to three points at 9-6. At 12-8, Fawcett came up with three monster serves, forcing Marichev to use his second timeout. Her next huge serve levelled the scores at 12, but Russia crept ahead again to lead by two at the second TTO. The Americans drew level again at 17, but Kiraly called a timeout when Russia’s Chaplina blocked Hildebrand to make the score 20-19 for Russia. Chaplina immediately blocked Fawcett to give her team a two-point advantage, but the scores were level again at 22, 23 and 24. A netted serve by Jenna Hagglund handed setpoint to the Russians and a block by Shashkova took the match to a fifth set.
Russia led 5-3 after a block by Malykh on Fawcett and a spike by Chaplina, prompting Kiraly to call a timeout. The Americans levelled at 6-6 and led by two points at 9-7 following a huge kill by Hildebrand, but it was level again at 9-9. After the Americans dropped two points to make the scores level at 11, Kiraly called another timeout. The scores were level at 12 and 13 when Malykh sent a shot down the line just wide to give USA matchpoint. Malykh then did exactly the same thing to hand the match to the Americans.
On Saturday, Russia will play Brazil and the USA will play Thailand.

 

[Smallville22]

Japan overcome Thai resistance in Grand Champions Cup

Tokyo, Japan, November 15, 2013 – Japan defeated Thailand 3-0 (25-20, 29-27, 25-22) in a thrilling evening match on the third day of the FIVB World Grand Champions Cup at Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium on Friday.
Japan raised their record to 2-1 for six points while the Thais dropped to 0-3 and have yet to win a set in the tournament.
Japan captain Saori Kimura was the top scorer in the match with 18 points, while Saori Sakoda added 15. Yuki Ishii and Risa Shinnabe contributed 11 points apiece in the victory.
Thailand were led by Wilavan Apinyapong and Onuma Sittirak who both scored 14 points.
Japan outblocked Thailand 4-2 and had a 3-2 advantage in service points. Thailand committed 17 errors to Japan’s 16.
It was the 10th lifetime victory for Japan over Thailand in FIVB contests between the two Asian sides.
Both teams showed their defensive prowess early on, while Thailand’s Apinyapong sent down three zingers as a warning to Japan. But the scores stayed close. The teams were tied at 7-7 but Japan opened up a three-point gap at 12-9 after a spike by Risa Shinnabe and a block by Saori Sakoda on Sittirak. But a five-point run saw Thailand move from 11-15 to 16-15 and from that point on it was a battle. It was all-square at 19 when a brilliantly placed shot by Kimura set Japan on a three-point run from which they didn’t look back. Shinnabe brought up setpoint with a strong hit and an errant shot by Thailand’s Malika Kanthong put Japan 1-0 ahead.
The start of the second set was even more intense as Thailand – with a surprisingly vocal set of fans to support them – dug in and sought to break down the home team. Japan had a slight lead early on, but a rocket by Sittirak and an ace by Pleumjit Thinkaow put the Thais 8-7 ahead at the first technical timeout. After Japan drew level at 9-9, the Thais got into a good rhythm and started to punish Japan. After Japan dropped behind 12-9, Japan coach Masayoshi Manabe called a timeout. The Thais followed up with bombs by Sittirak and Apinyapong and Manabe had to haul his players off court again. Nana Iwasaka finally responded for Japan with a neat tipover and an ace, but the Thais were three points ahead at the second TTO. Japan drew level at 19-19 after a great block by Kimura on Sittirak, which she followed up with an ace, prompting Thailand to call a timeout. From 20-20, Thailand were able to take a two-point lead on the back of two Japan hitting errors, but good work by Shinnabe drew the teams level at 23. A superb quick combination by Thai setter Nootsara Tomkom and Thinkaow gave Thailand setpoint but the Japanese snuffed that out. Japan saved one more Thai setpoint and Thailand two Japanese ones before Sakoda and Kimura ended the Thais’ resistance and put Japan 2-0 up.
After Thailand took a 5-4 lead in the third set, Japan responded with a five-point run that put them 9-5 ahead. Assisted by the classy setting of Tomkom, Sittirak and Apinyapong kept the Thais in the match with some determined hitting, and Japan only had a two-point cushion at the second TTO. Sakoda kept the pressure on Thailand with some big hits from the right and Japan opened up a four-point lead from which the Thais couldn’t recover. Kimura brought up setpoint with a spike and ended the match with another emphatic kill.
On Saturday, Japan will face the Dominican Republic, while Thailand will play USA.

 

[Smallville22]

USA edge Thailand 3-2 in thrilling Grand Champions Cup tie

Tokyo, Japan, November 16, 2013 – USA had to fight hard before overcoming another gutsy performance from Thailand on the fourth day of the FIVB World Grand Champions Cup on Saturday. USA prevailed 3-2 (13-25, 27-25, 25-22, 21-25, 15-13) in a match that lasted two hours and 10 minutes.
The win saw the Americans raise their record to 3-1 for seven points, while Thailand dropped to 0-4 but picked up their first point in the tournament.
Thailand’s Onuma Sittirak was the top scorer in the match with 28 points, while Jordan Larson-Burback led USA with 23.
USA middle blockers Lauren Paolini and Cursty Jackson contributed 16 and 15 points, respectively, in the victory. Thailand's Wilavan Apinyapong and Pleumjit Thinkaow each scored 14 points in the losing cause.
USA earned 11 blocking points, while the Thais had nine. Both teams had three service points. The Americans committed 26 errors to Thailand’s 18.
The Americans improved to 15-1 their lifetime record against Thailand in official FIVB competitions.
Going into the match, Thailand had only beaten USA once against 14 defeats in FIVB tournaments but it looked as if they would have a good chance of collecting their second win after a blistering performance in the first set. With two of the Americans’ first three points coming from blocks, it seemed that the Thais might struggle against their taller opponents. But the first timeout of the match came from USA coach Karch Kiraly – after Sittirak picked up her second block of the set, equalling Thailand’s blocking output from the previous day against Japan. When the Americans fell 14-10 behind after some sloppy play, Kiraly called his team off court again, but things didn’t get much better for USA. Pleumjit Thinkaow and Wilavan Apinyapong provided two more blocks for the Thais and Sittirak laid down two terrific thunderbolts as Thailand moved into an 11-point lead at 23-12. Malika Kanthong’s half-hit spike brought up setpoint and Sittirak put the Thais 1-0 up with another rocket through the American defence.
Things were closer in the first phase of the second set and the Americans started to find holes in the Thai defence, which Larson-Burbach and Lauren Paolini were happy to exploit. The Thais were two points ahead at the first technical timeout but the Americans turned the pressure up in the second phase with Cursty Jackson delivering a couple of telling blows, helping her team to a three-point advantage at the second TTO. But three dropped points later, Kiraly called a timeout. The Americans moved back into the lead and Thailand called a timeout at 20-18, but after another good block by Thinkaow that levelled the scores at 22, Kiraly called his players off court again. The Thais saved two setpoints but on the third the usually unflappable Nootsara Tomkom failed to set up Sittirak properly and the two players collided as they tried to get the ball over the net. Sittirak got up slowly with an apparent facial injury. The pain of losing the set 27-25 probably hurt more.
Sittirak stayed in the game but committed two early errors as the Americans breezed into a 5-1 lead, at which point the Thais called a timeout. Good blocks by Thinkaow and Apinyapong steadied the Thai ship, but the Americans still lead by three at the first TTO. At 13-10, the Thais got great hitting from Kanthong and Apinyapong (twice) and drew level, prompting Kiraly to call a timeout. Two sweet hits from Thinkaow saw the Thais go 16-15 ahead at the second TTO, but the match stayed close to 19-19 when a block by Paolini on Kanthong put the Americans ahead for good. They earned three setpoints on a tough hit by Larson-Burbach and a crisp cross-court shot by the same player ended the set and put USA 2-1 ahead.
Nothing could separate the two teams through to 7-7 in the fourth set but three straight points by Paolini put the Americans 10-7 up and forced a Thai timeout. The Thais levelled quickly with two shots from Sittirak and an unreturned serve from Tomkom, and the two teams stayed close until an ace by Sittirak gave Thailand a two-point lead at 20-18 and prompted another American timeout. This time, the Thais held on and the set concluded with successive USA errors.
After dropping three straight points to fall 3-2 behind in the deciding set, Thailand called a timeout. The Americans did likewise after dropping the next three, but it was level at 6-6. A sharp shot from Sittirak and a long shot by Larson-Burbach had the Thais two points up at the change-around but sloppy Thai defending allowed the Americans to take control and they moved into a three-point lead at 12-9. Thailand closed to within a point at 13-12, but Cassidy Lichtman brought up matchpoint with a shot that deflected off a Thai player. The Thais saved one matchpoint before Larson-Burbach thumped a winner through the Thai defence.

 

[Smallville22]

Brazil stay unbeaten with 3-1 victory over Russia in Grand Champions Cup

Tokyo, Japan, November 16, 2013 – Brazil maintained their unbeaten record in the FIVB World Grand Champions Cup on Saturday with a tough 3-1 (18-25, 25-18, 25-22, 25-19) win over Russia at Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium.
The win saw Brazil raise their record to 4-0 for 12 points while Russia dropped to 1-3 and stay on four points.
It was the third time Russia and Brazil have met in the World Grand Champions Cup, but the first time Brazil have won. But Russian maintains a 28-22 lead in all FIVB events.
Fernanda Rodrigues was the top scorer in the match with 17 points, including four blocks and three aces, while Fabiana Claudino added 14 with four blocks. Natalia Pereira and Sheilla Castro each contributed 13 points.
Natalia Malykh led Russia with 16 while Liubov Shashkova added 13.
Brazil outblocked Russia 15-10 and had nine service points to Russia’s four. Russia committed 22 errors to Brazil’s 21.
The Russians started the match brightly and were three points ahead at the first technical timeout, but coach Iury Marichev had to call a timeout when Brazil drew level at 10-10 after some good spiking by Adenizia Silva. A fine block by Iulia Morozova on Natalia Pereira saw the Russians two points ahead at the second TTO. They extended their lead to three points after a bad mixup on the Brazilian side of the net, after which Brazil coach Ze Roberto called a timeout. Three points later, Brazil failed to deal with a serve by Ekaterina Pankova and Ze Roberto called his players off court again. Blocks by Anastasia Shiyakhovaya and Liubov Shashkova helped extend Russia’s lead and Brazil didn’t help themselves with three late errors as Russia clinched the first set 25-18.
Brazil came back strong at the start of the second set, getting blocks from Natalia, Adenizia and Fernanda Rodrigues as they rushed into a 5-1 lead and Marichev called a timeout. The Russians were out of sorts and Brazil led 8-1 at the first TTO after a long shot by Natalia Malykh. But Malykh made up for that error by leading Russia’s revival with three excellent kills and a service ace that helped narrow the gap to just one point, when Ze Roberto called a timeout. Fernanda sent down a big hit followed by two service aces and Marichev hauled his players off court again. Fernanda then completed a hat trick of aces as the Russians failed to return her serve once again. Brazil were six points ahead at the second TTO and faced no trouble in taking the set, with a lame half-shot from Shashkova hitting the net to level the match at 1-1.
Marichev called a timeout after his team dropped the first four points of the third set, but his players responded well and were level at 6-6. Brazil moved into a three-point lead at 10-7, but Russia came back to lead 11-10, prompting Ze Roberto to call a timeout. Malykh again came to the fore for Russia as they moved into another lead at 15-12, but Brazil got a couple of good blocks from Fabiana Claudino and Fabiola Sousa and the scores were level again at 16. Two Malykh missiles drew the two teams level at 21 but a tipover by Walewska Oliveira and an ace by Natalia put Brazil in the driving seat. Sheilla Castro fired a shot down the right line to earn setpoint and a tipover by Fernanda put Brazil 2-1 up.
Both teams committed errors early in the fourth set but Brazil had the advantage and were three points up at the first TTO. Russia’s Natalia Dianskaya came up with two terrific blocks to level the scores at 9-9 but Brazil’s Natalia responded with a block of her own on the big-hitting Shashkova and followed up with blistering kill to open up a three-point lead at 12-9, bringing a Russian timeout. Russia closed to within a point at 14-13, but Brazil had a three-point cushion again at the second TTO. That became four points after a neatly disguised tipover by Fabiola and Brazil were able to cruise to the end of the match. Fernanda earned Brazil five matchpoints with a huge thump and a Walewska blocked Victoria Chaplina to end the match.

 

[Smallville22]

Sakoda electrifies Japan against a spirited Dominican squad

Tokyo, Japan, November 16, 2013 - Japan hosted the Dominican Republic at Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium on Saturday. Japan had only lost to the USA going into this match, and they looked very strong in this match as well, taking the match 3-0 (25-17, 25-19, 29-27).
Japan was led by the dynamic duo of Saori Kimura and Saori Sakoda, both of whom has 14 points. Brayelin Martinez had 12 points in a losing effort.
The winners held a 7-1 advantage in the blocking department while the defeated side dominated the blocking category 9-5. The Dominicans made 22 unforced errors to 16 by the Japanese.
The first set pitted Japan's finesse against the power of the Dominican Republic, with the home team taking an early edge thanks to solid net play from Kimura and Ishii. Candida Arias bounced a pair of hard spikes to counter, but Japan moved out front 11-6 causing the Dominicans to regroup with a timeout. The home team played confidently, extending to 16-8 on an ace by Iwasaka, and despite a late rush from the Dominicans, closed out a relatively easy first set 25-17, led by five points from Kimura, including two aces.
Japan continued to have good serving in the second, this time from Shinnabe, who put the home side ahead 7-4 with a gorgeous ace. Sakoda got busy in this set, displaying her patented aerial attack throughout, putting Japan ahead 20-16 with a hard drive down the sideline. A drive down the center from the hard hitting Iwasaka gave Japan set point at 24-18, setting the stage for Ishii to take the second set with her ninth point (25-19), to lead all scorers at that point.
Isabel Peña of the Dominican Republic was jittery to start the third set, with a couple of early errors. But she would pull together and push her side out front with a number of scores to jump out 12-8. That seemed to spark Saori Sakoda, who brought a surprising block on Rivera at the net (12-9), and then later another stuff on Martinez to tie at 14-14. But the Dominicans showed incredible spirit, keeping an edge to grab a set point at 24-22. But Kimura responded in true superstar fashion, helping her side fight off four set points to eventually take the set, with three scores late from her, taking the set 29-27, and the match 3-0.

 

[Smallville22]

USA overcome Dominican Republic 3-1 in World Grand Champions Cup

Tokyo, Japan, November 17, 2013 – The United States moved into the silver-medal position on the final day of the FIVB World Grand Champions Cup on Sunday with a 3-1 (25-14, 25-16, 21-25, 25-18) win over the Dominican Republic at Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium.
The win saw USA finish the tournament with a 4-1 record for 10 points while the Dominicans dropped to 1-4 and ended on three points.
The medals will be decided in the final match of the tournament when Japan (nine points) face Brazil (12 points).
It was the first time USA and the Dominican Republic had met in the World Grand Champions Cup. USA had a 12-2 record in FIVB events against the Dominicans going into the match.
USA beat the Dominican Republic twice earlier this year – in the finals of the Pan American Cup and the NORCECA Championship.
Lauren Paolini was the top scorer in the match with 19 points, while Kelly Murphy and Jordan Larson-Burbach had 16.
Gina Mambru led the Dominican Republic with 17 points followed by Brayelin Martinez with 10.
USA outblocked their opponents 16-8 and out-aced them 8-2. The Dominicans committed 21 errors to the Americans’ 20.
Gina Mambru of the Dominican Republic got into the groove quickly with four big hits that put her team 5-2 ahead. USA fought back and drew level at 6-6 on a lucky serve by Jordan Larson-Burbach that dribbled off the net cord onto the Dominican side of the net. USA captain Kristin Hildebrand then went on a smashing spree with three straight bombs that prompted Dominican Republic coach Marcos Kwiek to call a timeout. The Dominicans struggled after that. They failed to get back two serves from Cursty Jackson, while her teammate Lauren Paolini came up with back-to-back blocks that put USA 17-8 ahead and in firm control of the set. Larson-Burbach ended the set with a simple tipover.
Alysha Glass started the second set with some hot defence, earning three points behind the serving of Paolini, who also delivered an ace. USA were six points up at the first technical timeout and seven at the second. The Dominicans came to life only sporadically, while the Americans were playing confident volleyball. A spike by Paolini earned USA 10 setpoints and a clever tipover by the same player put the Americans 2-0 up.
Paolini helped USA jump out to an early 3-0 lead in the third set but the Dominicans dug in, with Mambru laying down three big hits. A Brayelin Martinez block on Paolini brought the teams level at 9-9. Larson-Burbach came up with a rasping, cross-court blast and a neatly placed shot in the corner as the Americans moved three points ahead, but a block by Annerys Vargas on Kelly Murphy saw the teams level again at 14, prompting USA coach Karch Kiraly to call his first timeout of the match. The Dominicans took the lead at 16-15 after a block by Vargas on Jackson and moved into a two-point lead at 19-17 after a thumping ace by Yonkaira Pena. That turned into a three-point lead after an error at the net by the Americans and with the Dominicans finding a new burst of confidence, the Americans weren’t able to get back into the set. A super block by Pena on Jackson brought up setpoint and the Dominicans pulled a set back when Murphy planted a shot into the net.
The scores were level at 4-4 in the fourth set but two spikes and a block on Pena by Murphy gave the Americans a slight advantage. The Dominicans tried to hold on with some good work by 17-year-old Martinez, including a delicate tipover and a monster kill, but at 12-15 Dominican coach Marcos Kwiek called a timeout. Martinez responded with two good hits before Pena planted a serve in the net, giving USA a two-point advantage at the second TTO. They stretched this to four points after a hit by Paolini and a lucky serve off the net cord by Murphy. After that, the Dominicans couldn’t find a way back. Larson-Burbach came up with two blocks, the second one handing USA six matchpoints. Alisha Glass then delivered the winning shot after a poor service reception by the Dominicans.

 

[Smallville22]

Thailand score historic victory over Russia in Grand Champions Cup

Tokyo, November 17, 2013 – Thailand beat Russia for the first time ever in an FIVB competition on Sunday, securing their first win of the FIVB World Grand Champions Cup on the final day at Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium. Thailand won 3-1 (18-25, 25-22, 25-21, 25-23).
In their 10 previous meetings, the Russians had won every match.
The win saw Thailand raise their record to 1-4 for four points while Russia dropped to 1-4 and also finished on four points. The result determined the bottom three placings in the World Grand Champions Cup. The Dominican Republic finished sixth with three points, Thailand fifth with four points and Russia fourth, also with four points.
Thailand’s Onuma Sittirak top-scored in the match with 26 points, while captain Wilavan Apinyapong contributed 19. Russia were led by Natalia Malykh with 19 points. Thailand’s Pleumjit Thinkaow had a tournament-high seven blocking points.
Both teams had 14 blocking points, while the Thais had five service points to Russia’s one. Russia committed 12 errors to Thailand’s 22.
Russia’s Natalia Malykh started to punish the Thai defence early on in the match and when the Thai players allowed a slow serve from Iulia Morozova to drop into space – making the score 11-4 – Thailand called a timeout. Onuma Sittirak scored with a couple of hits and then boosted the Thais with some impressive power serves, as Thailand pulled back from 15-7 to 15-11. But while the Thais showed plenty of spirit and guile – exemplified by another trademark reverse tipover by setter Nootsara Tomkom – they still found it hard to match the power of the Russians in the early stages. Victoria Chaplina earned Russia six matchpoints with a spike that the Thais couldn’t return and a block by Morozova on Sittirak put Russia 1-0 ahead.
Sittirak made two early errors in the second set as the Russians pulled into a 3-0 lead, but Malika Kanthong responded with a kill and an excellent block on Chaplina to get Thailand back on track. Russian errors then allowed Thailand to take the lead and after another neat reverse tipover from the classy Tomkom, Thailand were 8-6 ahead at the first technical timeout. But Russia turned the screws again, taking the next four points and bringing a Thai timeout. The Thais regrouped and fought back with two great hits by captain Wilavan Apinyapong and a terrific block by Pleumjit Thinkaow on Alexandra Pasynkova to take the lead at 14-13. A delightful cross plant by Sittirak extended the lead to two points at 18-16, but the two teams were all-square again at 18-18. Russia coach Iury Marichev called a timeout after another rocket serve from Sittirak caused reception problems and allowed the Thais to lead 21-20. But two more meaty serves and sweet hitting by Apinyapong forced the coach to haul his players off again at 23-20. It had an effect as Sittirak netted her next serve. But another spike by Apinyapong brought Thailand three setpoints and when Liubov Shashkova sent a tame shot wide, the match was level at 1-1.
The Thais showed their intelligent style in the first phase of the third set with Tomkom pulling the strings and making some terrific sets and Sittirak planting the ball in holes on the Russian side of the net. Thinkaow landed a shot from a trademark rapid set by Tomkom and added two terrific blocks on Malykh and Shashkova as Thailand moved into a 9-5 lead. At 12-7, Marichev called his players off for a talk. Shashkova then came up with a kill, Anastasia blocked Kanthong on successive plays and Thailand called a timeout. But the Thais were still two points ahead at the second TTO and at times the Russians struggled to catch up with their unpredictable offence. Marichev called a timeout when a block by Kanthon on Malykh put Thailand three points ahead at 22-19. Sittirak followed up with an ace and Apinyapong thundered a shot down the line to give the Thais five setpoints. After dropping two, the Thais called a timeout and Shlyakhovaya did them a favour by sending her next serve out of court, putting Thailand 2-1 up in the match.
Kanthong and Apinyapong earned Thailand’s first points of the fourth set with super blocks on Malykh and the Thais went 3-1 up after the Russians failed to deal with another blockbuster serve from Sittirak. Thinkaow came up with her fifth blocking point of the match to put Thailand 8-4 up at the first TTO, then added two more points with some good blocking, forcing Marichev to haul his players off court again. Shlyakhovaya scored two hits as Russia closed the gap to 10-7 and the Thais called a timeout. Successive blocks by Shlyakhovaya on Sittirak pulled Russia to within a point at 11-10 and when a lobbed shot by Malykh dropped in, the scores were level at 12-12. Another blistering ace by Sittirak gave Thailand a two-point lead and they kept that margin at the second TTO. After the Russians drew level at 16, Apinyapong led a Thai surge that saw them go four points ahead at 20-16, but then the Russians powered their way back to even the scores at 21. At 23-22, Sittirak earned Thailand two matchpoints with a shot down the right line. Chaplina saved one, but Sittirak fired down a final kill to give Thailand a well-deserved victory.

 

[Smallville22]

Brazil clinch World Grand Champions Cup with 3-0 win over Japan

Tokyo, Japan, November 17, 2013 – Olympic champions and World No. 1 Brazil won the FIVB World Grand Champions Cup on Sunday by defeating Japan 3-0 (29-27, 25-14, 25-18) at Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium.
Brazil became the first team to win the title twice. They also won in 2005.
Japan took the bronze medal, matching their performance in 2001.
The South American champions finished the tournament with a perfect 5-0 record for 15 points, while Japan dropped to 3-2 for nine points. USA took the silver with a 4-1 record and 10 points.
It was Brazil’s fourth win against Japan in the Grand Champions Cup against one loss. Overall in FIVB tournaments, Brazil have a 48-12 win-loss record against Japan.
Fernanda Rodrigues was the top scorer for Brazil with 16 points, while Sheilla Castro had 14. Yuki Ishii was the only Japanese player to get into double figures with 12 points.
Brazil scored 17 blocking points to Japan’s two and five service points to Japan’s four. Japan committed 19 errors while Brazil had 11.
Brazil certainly didn’t get the start they wanted, dropping five straight points to fall 5-1 behind and forcing coach Ze Roberto to call a timeout. A block by Saori Sakoda on Fabiana Claudino saw Japan to a four-point lead at the first technical timeout. Japan continued to pressure a nervy looking Brazil and went five points ahead at 14-9 after a wide shot by Sheilla. Japan maintained a four-point lead at the second TTO with a super strike by Ishii. When Ishii blocked Fernanda on the next point to bring the margin back to five points, Ze Roberto called his players off court again. A block and a spike by Monique Pavao helped Brazil close the gap to 17-15 and the scores were level at 18 after some sloppy play by Japan. Saori Sakoda sent down a couple of piledrivers to put Japan on top and a long shot by Fernanda gave Japan two setpoints. But Risa Shinnabe sent a cross-court shot wide and Japan failed to deal with Sheilla’s next serve, levelling the scores at 24. Japan saved two Brazil setpoints before two more errors cost them the set. Ishii sent a service wide and then sent a shot out of bounds and Brazil were 1-0 up.
Japan struggled at the start of the second set. Sakoda sent a shot wide while Shinnabe hit the pole and was blocked twice in succession as the Japanese fell behind 4-1. Japan coach Masayoshi Manabe called a timeout to try and steady his team and they fought back to within a point at 7-6 but they were still struggling to hit through the Brazil block and fell behind 12-6. Sakoda managed to claw a couple of points back for Japan, but the Brazilians were in the ascendancy. Brazil took the score from 14-11 to 21-11, with Fernanda coming up with two good blocks, and had no problems after that. With Brazil only needing a point (two sets) for the championship, Fabiana brought championship point with a hit that Japan failed to return and Fernanda clinched the title with a trademark thump.
Japan brought in Yukiko Ebata and Miyu Nagaoka at the start of the third set and both delivered in the opening phase. But Fernanda made some tough hits for Brazil, while teammate Fabiola Sousa came up with two good blocks as Brazil went took an 8-5 lead at the first TTO. Nagaoka then delivered a pair of kills, while Ebata hit a rocket and service ace as Japan levelled at 12. Manabe called a timeout after a reception error allowed Brazil to go 17-15 ahead and another when his team fell back 20-16. Brazil were playing well, attacking with spirit and defending tenaciously while Japan stuggled to find any kind of rhythm. A block by Natalia Pereira brought up matchpoint and it was all over when Ebata sent a spike long.

 

[Smallville22]

Claudino gives credit to teammates for MVP award

Brazil’s Fabiana Claudino was named the Most Valuable Player of the 2013 FIVB Women’s Grand Champions Cup won by the South American monarchs on Sunday.
The All-Star Team of the competition was announced at the start of the award ceremony presided over by Dr. Ary S. Graça, FIVB President and Dr. Yuichiro Hamu, President of Japan Volleyball Association.
“I am very happy about winning the Most Valuable Player, an award granted by my teammates who helped me to do my job,” Fabiana said during the press conference held after the ceremony.
“This is a great team and I’m really happy about what we achieved,” the Brazilian captain added. “It wasn’t an easy tournament and I got the MVP award because of my team. All the players gave me this.”
Japan sent three players to the All-Star Team of the competition based on the statistics while Thailand had two.
The Japanese players were the first outside hitter Saori Sakoda, the setter Hitomi Nakachimi and the libero Arisa Sato.
The two Thais in the ideal squad were Onuma Sittirak as second outside hitter and Pleumjit Thinkaow as the second middle-blocker.
Gina Mambru of Dominican Republic was the opposite player and Russia’s Iuliia Morozova was the first middle-blocker.

 

[Smallville22]

Mousavi and Iran block Italy in Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan, November 20, 2013 - The Italians, who picked up an impressive game one win against Russia to open the 2013 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Grand Champions Cup, faced a determined Iran team who were coming off a loss against Brazil. These teams had played five times before, with Italy coming out on top in four of those contests, most recently winning 3–2 in World League competition in Sassari. But Iran came to play at Kyoto Prefectural Gymnasium, taking a tough match over Italy 3–2 (26–24, 16–25, 25–23, 23–25, 15–12).
Leading the way for Iran was Mohammad Mousavi Eraghi, who put up an incredible defensive effort, with eight of his 17 scores coming from blocks. Italy had five players in double digit scoring, led by Jiri Kovar, also with 17 points.
Iran served up trouble for the Italians early in the first, with a pair of aces from Farhad Ghaemi and Adel Gholami putting their side ahead 6–2 forcing Italy into a timeout to regroup. They came back onto the court refocused, and hung close until late, when a Ghaemi stuff on Italy captain Emanuele Birarelli helped spark a five-point run to give Iran a 23–19 advantage. Italy rallied with great blocking from Michele Baranowicz and Birarelli, but Iran would capitalize on their third set point, with Gholami putting a stuff right back on Italy’s Baranowicz, 26–24, one set to zero.
The second set was equally competitive in the early stages, with multiple attacks from Italy’s Ivan Zaytsev and and Iran’s Mousavi Eraghi canceling each other out. But a few misfires at the net by Iran’s Ghaemi gave Italy the momentum to pull off a six-point run to go head 14–8. A Jiri Kovar block on Rahman Davoodi, who came in off the bench for Iran, extended Italy’s lead to 20–12. But more scoring from Zaytsev and Birarelli (five points each in the set) would take the second set for the Italians, a kill from the latter making it 25–16, one set apiece.
In the third set, Thomas Beretta got his game going, edging Italy ahead 9–6 with an ace, following with a hard spike, and then block on Mousavi Eraghi to make it 15–12 for the Italians. With both sides defending well, it was Italy who lapsed first with a pair of errant attacks from Birarelli letting Iran ahead 23–22, and that was all the Asian champs needed, as Mahmoudi’s eleventh score of the match took the third set 25–23.
Iran’s Mousavi Eraghi showed why he deserves to be mentioned among the world’s best blockers, with three straight stuffs putting his side up 5–1 to open the fourth set. But Italy powered back with aggressive serving from Luca Vettori (off the bench) and Kovar who combined for an amazing five aces to help Italy jump back ahead 12–8. Iran battled back to tie 21–21, but Italy would narrowly take this set 25–23, thanks to great defensive hustle by the libero Salvatore Rossini who set up Kovar for a score, evening the match at two sets each.
Iran looked sharp in the tie-break with Mousavi Eraghi continuing his great play with a pair of kills and an ace to take a 7–4 lead. Italy responded by hammering away on the right side with Vettori with some success, but Mousavi Eraghi finally shut him down with his seventh block to make it 12–7, and then again with his eighth to give match point at 14–10. A Mahmoudi spike would then clinch the set 15–12, and the match 3–2.

 

[Smallville22]

Brazil narrowly edges out USA in three close sets

Kyoto, Japan, November 20, 2013 - Both Brazil and the USA were winners on day one of the 2013 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Grand Champions Cup in Kyoto, with victories over Iran and Japan respectively. Going into this match, the two teams had faced each other 64 times in international play, with Brazil winning 40 of those contests, most recently with a 3–0 World League victory in Rio de Janeiro. Brazil would win this game as well, but it was a terrific struggle, taking the match 3–0 (31–29, 25–23, 25–23).
Leading Brazil in scoring in this match was Mauricio Borges Almeida Silva with 13 points, supported by Wallace De Souza with 12. For the USA, it was Matthew Anderson again leading the way, with 17 scores in a losing effort.
Brazil pressured the USA with aggressive serving to start what would be an epic first set, edging ahead 10–6 with Ricardo Lucarelli and Mauricio performing well. The USA would rally close, but Matt Anderson had difficulty finding his rhythm against the Brazilian blockers, his errant spike giving the South Americans a 20–16 advantage. Sean Rooney compensated on the right side, but Brazil moved ahead late to grab set point 24–22. But the Americans didn’t go without a fight, turning away five set points by the Brazilians, with Kawika Shoji defending well. But it was Brazil’s Wallace who stepped up for his side, with a kill to deny the USA’s second set point, and another to give them the advantage they needed to close, 31–29, one set to zero.
The teams were equally close through the second, exchanging points until they reached 9–9. But the USA would take seven of the next nine points to make it 16–11 at the second TTO, led by Reid Priddy and Micah Christenson who were serving well, each with an ace. Brazil rallied back to tie at 20–20, with a stunning block by Evandro Guerra off the bench on Anderson on the wing. Sidão gave Brazil set point 24–23 with a hard block on Rooney, and that led to a score by the captain, Bruno Mossa Rezende, after a wonderful get by Mario Da Silva Pedreira Junior. Rezende then leaped joyously into Mario’s arms to celebrate having taken two difficult sets from the tough Americans.
Both sides showed signs of fatigue early in the third, with a number of errors on both sides, as they edged out together to 10–10. Brazil held a 16–14 lead at the second TTO, and held a slim lead until Anderson drew the USA even with a kill, and then ahead 23–22 with a block stuff. But Brazil’s Lucarelli would have his revenge, putting a block of his own on Anderson on match point to give another hard fought set to Brazil, 25–23, and the match 3–0.

 

[Smallville22]

After loss to Italy, Russia rebounds by punishing home team Japan

Kyoto, Japan, November 20, 2013 - Coming off a disappointing loss against the Italians on the opening day of the 2013 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Grand Champions Cup, Russia looked for a better effort against host Japan. Historically, Russia has dominated head-to-head competition with Japan, winning 56 of 66 total contests. This match was no different, as the Russians made short work of the host Japan team, much to the disappointment of the fans in Kyoto Prefectural Gymnasium. They took the match in straight sets (25-16, 25-17, 25-18).
Russia was led by Dmitriy Ilinykh who scored 12 points in the victory, including three blocks. He was supported by Alexey Spiridonov with 10, who won the player of the match award. Leading all scorers was Japan’s Kunihiro Shimizu, who scored 14 for Japan. Russia out-blocked the host team by a count of 15 to 5.
Russia didn’t give an inch to Japan to start this match, with no Japanese player scoring a point until Kazuyoshi Yokota hit a hard spike down center to make it 11-4. Russian attackers Spiridonov, Dmitriy Muserskiy, and Maxim Mikhaylov were a handful for the Japan defense, and the home team just couldn’t come up with an answer. Kazuyoshi Yokota tried a heated attack of his own, but Russia defended it well and with Spiridonov fired it back just as quick to go ahead 21-12. They’d cruise from there to take the first set 25-16.
Japan managed to stay a little closer to Russia in the second, although Russia’s big man Muserskiy did his best to spoil their efforts, delivering a blistering jump serve for an ace to make it 9-4. The Russian attack was frustrated momentarily mid-set by Yoshihiko Matsumoto and Shimizu, who put consecutive block stuffs on Ilinykh for scores to make it 15-10. From there Japan did find some rhythm, but the deficit was too big. A hard Spiridonov spike nearly knocked over Yoneyama, making it 23-16, a point symbolic of the punishment Japan was taking in the match. Mikhaylov underscored the message with a vicious cross-court kill to take the set 25-17.
Shigeru Kondoh was serving well for Japan in the third set, with an early ace to help keep his side closer than in the previous two sets. He followed up with a clever setter dump to pull within one point of Russia at 10-9. But Russia rolled on from there, taking eight of the next ten points to go ahead 17-11 on a run capped by consecutive blocks from Andrey Ashchev and Sergey Grankin. It was easy sailing from there, as they closed it out 25-18 without much difficulty.

 

[Smallville22]

Anderson stars in U.S. win over Italy

Tokyo, Japan, November 22, 2013 - USA beat Italy 3-2 in a five-set thriller 25-21, 20-25, 22-25, 28-26, 15-13 in their round-robin match at the World Grand Champions Cup on Friday afternoon.
The victory gave the U.S. a 2-1 record, while Italy fell to 1-2 with the loss.
It was a tight contest all the way, with just a few points separating the teams throughout.
Matthew Anderson notched a match-high 27 points for the U.S. in the triumph. Maxwell Holt and David Lee added 13 apiece.
Filippo Lanza led Italy with 22 points, while Jiri Kovar contributed 15.
The young Italian team put on an impressive performance against the more experienced American side.
Both teams exhibited power games in an affair that saw few extended rallies.
Maxwell Holt served into the net and Italy took a 5-3 lead in the first set. Italy led 8-5 at the first technical timeout. A spike by Sean Rooney pulled the U.S. within one at 8-7. A service ace by Filippo Lanza kept the Italians ahead 13-12. William Priddy's service ace evened the score at 15-15. Italy was on top 16-15 at the second TTO. The U.S. pulled ahead 17-16 on a reception error. Holt's block put the U.S. in front 19-16. Holt made a nice pass to Micah Christenson for a quick spike at the net and the U.S. boosted the advantage to 21-17. The Italians called a timeout to try and stop the surge. A missed spike by Thomas Beretta put the U.S. within two points of the set at 23-18. Luca Vettori served into the net at the U.S. had set point at 24-19. The U.S. wrapped up the set 25-21.
Italy went ahead 5-3 in the second set after a reception error by the U.S. Priddy's service ace sent the U.S. into the first TTO with an 8-7 edge. Italy surged to a 15-13 lead with some nice passing and the U.S. called timeout. Italy had a 16-13 lead at the second TTO. A block by Jiri Kovar boosted the Italian lead to 18-14 and the U.S. called a timeout. A Vettori spike made it 20-14. Priddy fired a serve long and it was 21-15. Holt connected on a spike as the U.S. moved within five points at 22-17. Kovar blasted a crosscourt spike for 23-17. A nice block by Priddy took the count to 23-19 and Italy took a timeout. Kawika Shoji served into the net and Italy had set point at 24-19. Italy took the set 25-20 when the U.S. could not handle a spike.
Matteo Piano's block put Italy on top 5-4 in the third set. A reception error by Lanza made it 7-6 for the U.S. Rooney could not handle a spike and Italy led 8-7 at the first TTO. A block by Priddy made it 10-9 for the U.S. Piano's block put Italy up 14-13. Priddy pounded a serve into the net and Italy was in front 16-14 at the second TTO. A net infraction gave Italy a 17-15 edge. Jeffrey Menzel sent a serve long and Italy led 20-18. Kovar's spike made it 23-21. A nice dink by Ivan Zaytsev gave Italy set point at 24-21. Zaytsev closed out the set 25-22 with a soaring spike.
A positioning violation cost the U.S. two points at the outset of the fourth set. It was 3-2 when the issue was recognized, and the mistake cost the U.S. two points to make it 3-0 for Italy. Lee fired a service ace and the U.S. stormed back to tie it 4-4. A service error by Beretta made it 6-5 for the U.S. A dink by Holt took it to 7-6. Holt's block put the U.S. ahead 8-7 at the first TTO. A block by Lee took it to 10-9 for the U.S. The Americans scored three more points to make it 13-10 and Italy took a timeout. Carson Clark's spike took it to 15-12. Italy fought back and equalized at 15-15 on a crosscourt spike by Kovar. Italy led 16-15 at the second TTO. A spike by Zaytsev made it 19-17 as Italy edged closer to taking the match. Clark hammered a serve and it was 20-20. Back and forth it went, with the U.S. going up 23-22 before Zaytsev spiked to equalize at 23-23. A spike by Christenson gave the U.S. set point at 24-23, but Clark served long and the score was knotted again 24-24. A net infraction by Zaytsev made it 25-24 for the U.S. Priddy then served long and it was even again at 25-25. Kovar served into the net and the U.S. had its third set point. Holt responded with a serve into the net and it was 26-26. Clark's spike gave the U.S. another set point. The U.S. then took the 37-minute set 28-26 on a block.
A strong serve by Lanza made it 3-3 in the fifth set. Zaytsev's well-placed dink moved Italy ahead 6-5. The U.S. retook the lead at 8-7 on a block. A reception error by Dragan Travica tied it 9-9. Italy went back ahead 10-9 on a spike by Beretta. When Beretta fired a spike wide the U.S. was two points from victory at 13-11 and Italy called a timeout. Priddy sent a spike long and it was 13-12. The U.S. got match point at 14-12, but Lanza's spike made it 14-13. The U.S. completed the win 15-13 when Travica sent his serve long.

 

[Smallville22]

Russia powers past Iran in straight sets

Tokyo, Japan, November 22, 2013 - European champion Russia downed Iran in three sets (25-23, 25-23, 25-19) in their round-robin match at the World Grand Champions Cup on Friday. With the victory Russia improved to 2-1, while Iran dropped to 1-2.
The match marked the first ever meeting between the countries in the World Grand Champions Cup and only the fourth overall.
Maxim Mikhaylov sparked the Russian attack with 19 points. Dmitriy Muserskiy contributed 12 in the win.
Mojtaba Mirzajanpour led Iran with 13 points. Shahram Mahmoudi added 11 in the defeat.
Iran established a 5-3 lead in the first set. Russia equalized 6-6 on a spike by Nikolay Apalikov. A spike by Mikhaylov sent Russian into the first TTO with an 8-7 edge. A spike by Mohammad Mousavi tied it 10-10. Mehdi Mahdavi knotted the score 13-13 with a spike down the middle. Russia led 16-13 at the second TTO on a spike by Mikhaylov. Russia moved ahead 23-20 following a timeout when the score was tied 20-20. Iran pulled back within one at 23-22 on a spike. With Russia having set point at 24-23, Iran took a timeout. Apalikov's spike gave Russia the set at 25-23. Mikhaylov notched nine points in the set. Mirzajanpour had six.
Russia took a 6-4 lead in the second set following a reception error. Adel Gholami made a nice dink for 6-5. Dmitriy Ilinykh's spike gave Russia an 8-6 lead at the first TTO. Russia led 10-8 after Mahmoudi fired a serve long. A service ace by Mirzajanpour moved Iran ahead 11-10. Apalikov tied it 14-14 with a spike. Iran went up 15-14 on a nice option play spike by Gholami. A block by Muserskiy saw Russia lead 16-15 at the second TTO. A missed shot by Mahmoudi put Russia up 20-19. A block by Apalikov made it 22-20 and Iran called a timeout. Ilinykh's spike gave Russia set point at 24-21. Russia took the set 25-23 on a block by Ilinykh.
Mirzajanpour rose for a spike as Iran took a 6-3 lead in the third set. Iran was up 8-5 at the first TTO. A reception error by Iran allowed Russia to equalize at 9-9. Russia continued to edge toward the match, taking a 14-12 advantage and Iran called a timeout. Muserskiy's spike made it 19-15. Mikhaylov sent a serve long and Iran drew within 21-17. A service ace by Muserskiy closed out the contest 25-19.