Russia's Kseniia Ilchenko spikes against two German blockers
Ningbo, China, July 3, 2015 – Nataliya Goncharova scored 19 points to spearhead the Russian 3-1 (25-20, 24-26, 25-20, 25-20) victory over Germany to open Pool B action in the FIVB Volleyball World Grand Prix at the Beilun Sports and Arts Centre on Friday.
Goncharova had 15 attacks, three blocks and one ace for Russia, while Margareta Kozuch led Germany with 15 points.
Russia led early in the first set 16-11 but a strong scoring scheme worked well for Germany to put them within close range. Goncharova’s spike from the backrow gave set point for Russia and Yana Shcherban’s ace closed the first set 25-20.
Kozuch led the German attack to rush to a 4-0 lead but suddenly feel into a deep spell that allowed Russia to cut down the lead to within one point 8-7. Germany and Russia fought in the succeeding plays resulting to a close score until the deadlock at 24-all, where Germany pulled through 26-24 a quick hit from Maren Brinker.
Germany started with a lead but Russia’s solid 3-0 run brought the momentum to their side at 7-6. Russia attacked on all angles, which immobilised the German defence. Kseniia Ilchenko’s strong spike closed the third set 25-20.
Germany and Russia had an intense exchange of attacks, which resulted to a deadlock at 11-all. Germany then got a two-point cushion 16-14 at the second technical timeout of the fourth set but Russia came back strong to steal the lead that eventually led them to set and match victory 25-20.
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