The Italian Women’s Volleyball team maintained their winning record in pool B with a straight-sets win 25-19, 25-15, 25-21 over Kazakhstan at the BIT Gymnasium on Monday, August 11. Italy keeps pace with Brazil and Serbia at the top of the pool with the win. Kazakhstan joins Russia and Algeria at the bottom of the pool.
The game started with Nadia Centoni of Italy and Yelena Pavlova of Kazakhstan exchanging heavy spikes. Italy moved ahead by powering sharp attacks to the back of Kazakhstan’s undefended court to clinch the first set.
Kazakhstan raced to a 5-1 lead in the second set with Pavlova’s powerful spikes cutting through the Italian blockers. After a timeout, Italy regained their rhythm and leveled the scores, using double blockers on the net combined with fast back-slide attacks from Simona Gioli. Kazakhstan responded with great defense but their attack was not as efficient as the Italians. Late in second set, Taismary Taguero replaced Serena Ortolani as the Italians wrapped up the set 25-15.
In the third set, Italy played with their main squad for the first time this Olympic Games. Aguero’s return boosted team morale and enhanced the Italian’s defense and attack. At one stage, the Italians skipped clear 21-14 only for their opponents to reduce the losing margin. Italy secured the victory with a heavy spike from Aguero, who scored five points for the match.
Top scorers for the match were Francesca Piccinini and Pavlova of Kazakhstan with 12 points each.
With all the pool B matches complete for day two, Brazil owns the top spot with two straight-set victories. Serbia, in second place, and Italy, in third, are not far behind — each team has recorded two victories and dropped just one set. Kazakhstan, Russia and Algeria are all winless and will vie for the fourth quarterfinal spot in the pool.
source: beijing2008.cn
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