Li Yingying (L) of China spikes the ball during their defeat to Italy in FIVB Volleyball Nations League in Hong Kong, June 18, 2023. (Xinhua/Lo Ping Fai)
China concluded the second stop of the FIVB Women's Volleyball Nations League in Hong Kong with a narrow defeat to Italy.
HONG KONG, June 18 (Xinhua) -- China suffered a second consecutive loss in the FIVB Women's Volleyball Nations League (VNL), falling to Italy 23-25, 25-23, 18-25, 25-22, 15-12 here on Sunday.
It was the second loss for China, who had tasted defeat to Poland on Saturday, and also the third win for Italy in Hong Kong.
Italy eliminated China in last year's VNL, and triumphed twice again in the ensuing Volleyball Women's World Championship.
China coach Cai Bin (C) gives instructions during the match. (Xinhua/Lo Ping Fai)
In Sunday's match, China surrendered the set lead twice, allowing Italy to take the contest into a decisive fifth set, where Italy led from the beginning and China never managed to get ahead.
China's Li Yingying scored a game-high 24 points. Miriam Sylla, along with Sylvia Nwakalor, led Italy with 15 points apiece.
In other matches on Sunday, the Netherlands swept Bulgaria in straight sets, while Turkey triumphed over the Dominican Republic 3-1. ■
