Gong Xiangyu (C) of China spikes the ball during the FIVB Volleyball Nations League Women's Pool 4 match against Belgium in Quezon City, the Philippines on June 15, 2022. (Xinhua/Rouelle Umali)
China started the second week of Volleyball Nations League with a straight-set win over Belgium.
MANILA, June 15 (Xinhua) -- China's national women's volleyball team beat Belgium in straight sets 25-19, 25-22, 25-14 on Wednesday in Pool 4 of the 2022 FIVB Volleyball Nations League (VNL) in the Philippines.
Opposite Gong Xiangyu led China with 19 points while outside hitter Li Yingying added nine. Belgium's captain Celine Van Gestel and opposite spiker Pauline Martin fired 11 points each for the team.
The Chinese banked on their rock-solid net defense to outplay the Belgians by 10-0. They also capitalized on Belgium's errors, converting them into 18 points, while their unleashing attacks secured 45 points.
After the win, China ranks second in the women's VNL with four wins and one loss, while Belgium fell to a record of one win and four losses.
Li Yingying (1st R) of China spikes the ball during the FIVB Volleyball Nations League Women's Pool 4 match against Belgium. (Xinhua/Rouelle Umali)
In an earlier match, the reigning VNL holders and Tokyo Olympic gold medalists the United States defeated Bulgaria 25-20, 25-22, 25-20, to open their Week 2 campaign on a high note.
On Friday, China will play against Canada, who now sits at No. 16 in the latest world rankings. ■
