SHANGHAI, April 1 (Xinhua) -- Shanghai claimed its first Chinese women's volleyball league title in 25 years on Wednesday after sweeping Jiangsu 3-0 in the decisive third match of the best-of-three finals.
The victory at Luwan Gymnasium gave Shanghai a 2-1 series win and secured the club's first league championship since the 2000-01 season.
After the two sides traded 3-0 home wins in the first two matches, Shanghai delivered a clinical performance on home court to seal the title.
In the opening set, Shanghai struggled in reception early as Jiangsu raced to a 9-3 lead. The home side called a timeout to regroup and gradually found its rhythm before fighting back to take the set 25-23.
Shanghai carried that momentum into the second set. The two teams were tied at 9-9 before Shanghai pulled away with a string of solid defensive plays, quick attacks and powerful spikes to claim the set 25-19.
The third set was dominated by Shanghai from the start. The hosts built an early 6-2 lead and extended the advantage to 15-7 midway through the set. Jiangsu called a timeout, but Shanghai remained in control and closed out the set 25-19 to complete the sweep. ■
