Kazakhstan dominated Australia 3-0 in Pool N of the FIVB Volleyball World Grand Prix
Taldykorgan, Kazakhstan, June 27, 2015 – Sana Anarkulova top scored with 15 points to head Kazakhstan’s 3-0 (25-20, 25-21, 25-8) triumph over Australia in Pool N of the FIVB Volleyball World Grand Prix at the Zhastar Sports Palace on Saturday.
Anarkulova headed the Kazakh defence with four blocks, while Lyudmila Issayeva added three more blocks to form the Kazakh wall. Sophie Godfrey scored 11 points for Australia.
Australia scored two straight points to open the first set but Kazakhstan responded quickly to tie the score at 2-all, then a series of deadlocks and lead changes ensued. Australia took a slim advantage 17-15 but Olga Nassedkina and Issayeva tied the score at 17-all. Australia lost its focus in the remaining plays and allowed Kazakhstan to snatch the first set victory 25-20.
Kazakhstan started strong in the first set with a 4-0 lead. The Kazakhs took control in the succeeding plays but Australia patiently ran their offence to cut down the lead 16-15. The Australian, however, were not able to sustain their intensity and allowed the Kazakhs to outrun them again in the second set 25-21.
Kazakhstan held a commanding 11-2 advantage as their hitters were on target. The Australians were left stunned by the Kazakhs as the lead ballooned to 22-5. Kazakhstan finished the set and match with a block 25-8.
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