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Women's Volleyball Review: China and Brazil top Olympic pools


(BEIJING, August 11) -- Table-toppers China and Brazil have four points each and stand at the top of their respective pools after the second day of the preliminary round of the Women's Volleyball tournament at Beijing Institute of Technology Gymnasium and Capital Gymnasium on Monday, August 11.
Pool B
Serbia took their second straight victory defeating Algeria 25-14, 25-13, 25-13 in the first match of Day 2. The Serbians controlled the match with strong attacks and an effective defense. Algeria tried to fight back in the second set but was denied victory by the Serbian players. Serbia has achieved four points with four wins and no losses.
At the second pool B match, Italy maintained their winning record with a straight-sets win 25-19, 25-15, 25-21 over Kazakhstan. The Italians powered sharp attacks to the back of Kazakhstan's undefended court to clinch the first set. Kazakhstan responded with great defense in the following two sets, but their weak attack made them lose the game. Kazakhstan has no wins thus far.
Brazil outplayed Russia in straight sets 25-14, 25-14, 25-16 to claim the third match of pool B. The Brazil players' strong attack and effective defense were key to their win as Russia failed to match the Brazilian tempo.
With all the pool B matches completed, Brazil stands on top of the scoreboard. Serbia, in second place, and Italy, in third, are not far behind – each team has claimed two victories and dropped just one set. Kazakhstan, Russia and Algeria stayed near the bottom of pool B, with no wins so far.
Pool A
Cuba beat the United States 25-15, 26-24, 25-17 to claim the first pool A match. The Cubans dominated the match with powerful attacks. The United States women fought a hard offence, but were not able to cover the Cuban's attacks.
Defending Olympic champion China recovered from a first set loss to Poland and won the second pool A match with a score of 22-25, 25-15, 25-20, 25-22. The Chinese women moved to a tight block, becoming more involved offensively in the last three sets.
At the third pool A match, Japan had an effortless win over Venezuela with the score of 25-12, 25-17, 25-12. Japan, confident in their shot selections and hitting points, controlled the match from the beginning. The Venezuelans could not keep up with Japan's solid offence.
China and Cuba have won two matches each. They are tied in the standings with four points apiece, but China is on top of pool A based on a better points ratio. The United States, who has won one match, placed third with three points. With no wins thus far, Poland, Japan and Venezuela stayed at the bottom of the pool.