VolleyRuller96

Group Stage, LEG 1 out of 6 Day 1 out of 2 - 19 may 2018 - schedule all times are CEST GOLDEN LEAGUE GROUP A 16:00 Azerbaijan - Ukraine 16:00 Bulgaria - Portugalia GROUP B 17:00 Croatia - Finland GROUP C 15:00 Slovakia - Belarus 19:00 Spain - Czech Republic FREE STREAMING OF THE GOLDEN LEAGUE MATCHES IS AVAILABLE AT: http://www.laola1.tv/en-int/channel/volleyball-cev-golden-european-league-women SILVER LEAGUE GROUP A 19:00 Sweden - Switzerland GROUP B 15:00 Austria - Israel FREE STREAMING OF THE SILVER LEAGUE MATCHES IS AVAILABLE AT: http://www.laola1.tv/en-int/channel/volleyball-cev-silver-european-league-frauen

Group Stage, LEG 1 out of 6 Day 1 out of 2 - 19 may 2018 - schedule all times are CEST GOLDEN LEAGUE GROUP A 16:00 Sweden - Belgium 18:00 Slovakia - Estonia GROUP C 16:00 Portugal - Spain 18:00 Finland - Czech Republic FREE STREAMING OF THE GOLDEN LEAGUE MATCHES IS AVAILABLE AT: http://www.laola1.tv/en-int/channel/volleyball-cev-golden-european-league-men SILVER LEAGUE GROUP A 17:30 Austria - Latvia GROUP B 20:00 Croatia - Hungary FREE STREAMING OF THE SILVER LEAGUE MATCHES IS AVAILABLE AT: http://www.laola1.tv/en-int/channel/volleyball-cev-silver-european-league-maenner

PRELIMINARY ROUND STANDINGS after 3 played matches System: 1. CHINA is automaticaly qualified as final 6 Host. 2. TOP 5 TEAMS after the preliminary round qualify for the final round. 3. If China is among the top 5 teams , THE 6-th RANKED TEAM also qualifies. 4. The 12 CORE TEAMS can not be relegated. 4. The WEAKEST PLACED CHALLENGER team may be relegated from the competition if they lose the relegation playoff against the FIVB Challenger Cup (to be played at a later date) winner. Tie-Break Criteria: 1.Matches Won/Lost Ratio (MW/ML) 2. Points Achieved (3 PTS = 3:0 or 3:1 win ; 2 PTS = 3:2 win ; 1PTS = 2:3 defeat ; 0PTS = 0:3 or 1:3 defeat) 3. Set Ratio. Nation MW ML PTS SET 1. 3 0 9 9:1 2. 3 0 8 9:2 3. 2 1 7 8:4 4. 2 1 6 7:3 5. QUALIFIED 2 1 6 6:3 6. 2 1 6 7:5 7. 2 1 6 7:4 8. 2 1 5 6:5 9. CHALLENGER 2 1 5 6:5 10. 1 2 3 4:6 11. 1 2 3 4:7 12. 1 2 3 4:7 13 CHALLENGER 1 2 2 4:8 14: CHALLENGER 0 3 2 4:9 15 0 3 1 2:9 16: : CHALLENGER 0 3 0 2:9

DAY 03 SUMMARY BELGIUM 3-2 DOMINICAN REPUBLIC Ningbo, China, May 17, 2018 - Belgium teenager Britt Herbots summoned up every ounce of energy she had left to deliver another superb attacking performance and lead her team to a pressure-packed 3-2 (25-16, 18-25, 25-18, 19-25, 15-7) victory over the Dominican Republic on the third day of the inaugural women's FIVB Volleyball Nations League on Thursday. The 18-year-old Herbots showed no signs of tiring as the epic match ticked past two hours in duration as she racked up a game high 26 points and the Europeans rebounded from their straight-sets loss to China on Wednesday to claim their second win in Pool 2 after beating Korea 3-0 on Tuesday. Wing spiker Celine Van Gestel and opposite spiker Kaja Grobelna each finished with 14 points while Marlies Janssens led the defence with four blocks in her eight points as Belgium withstood a fierce comeback from the never-say-die Dominican Republic, who endured the agony of two successive five-set defeats. Dominican Republic finished the pool with three losses but might have had two wins had fortune gone their way. Outclassed by China, they suffered an exhausting and heart-breaking 3-2 defeat to Korea on Wednesday before coming so close against the fresher Belgians on Thursday. Brayelin Martinez, who racked up 31 points in the loss to Korea, once again spearheaded the Dominican Republic challenge, finishing on 15 points, tied with Jeoselyna Rodriguez Santos, who came on as a substitute after the first set and made a huge impact. The opening set gave few clues of the unfolding drama that was to follow as the Yellow Tigers raced to a 1-0 lead after just 24 minutes. The Dominican Republic won the second but looked to be tiring after losing the third but defied their aching bodies by winning the fourth set to force a decider. The Caribbeans took the early lead before Herbots stepped in and took control. She made her first successful block of the match to put her team 8-6 in front then followed up with her 23rd spike to put her team in sight of the victory. Belgium travel to Toyota next week for Pool 5 matches against the host-nation Japan as well as the Netherlands and USA while Dominican Republic will head to Ankara to play in Pool 8 alongside hosts Turkey as well as Argentina and Brazil. THAILAND 3-0 ARGENTINA Ekaterinburg, Russia, May 17, 2018 - In a match to decide who would finish the tournament in 3rd place, there was only really one likely outcome. Despite Argentina taking more sets off the top two teams in the pool over the last couple of days, it was Thailand who were in control for the majority of the match. Their setter Pornpun Guedpard distributed the ball with ease, linking particularly well with joint top scorers Pimpichaya Kokram and Ajcharaporn Kongyot, ensuring a 3-0 win (25-17, 25-17, 25-16).There was a cracking start to the final day of action at the Palace of Sports in Ekaterinburg with Thailand matching the momentum of the Iset river that runs next to the competition hall. They end this part of the competition with one win from their three matches, having previously fallen to the Netherlands and Russia. Thai Coach Danai Sriwacharamaytakul appeared confident throughout and significantly contributed to his team’s victory with his interventions - particularity with their use of the challenge system. Argentina are yet to beat Thailand in world level competition, in fact they are yet to win a set, and in truth they never looked likely this time around either. Getting off to strong starts in their previous two matches by taking the first set, Argentina started with confidence, but other than short bursts they were never really at the same level as Thailand. Meaning they start the 2018 Volleyball Nations League with three straight losses, just as they did at the 2016 Olympic Games and the 2017 World Grand Prix, despite the best efforts of their top attacker Antonela Fortuna and their top scorer Julieta Constanza Lazcano. A close start saw the attending crowd on their feet early on when an exciting exchange saw more than half the players on the court make contact with the floor within the same rally. The first set was also dominated by successful challenges to both sides, but with Thailand edging it in all areas their 16-10 lead at the second technical time-out was fully justified. From here, Thailand pinned Elina Rodriguez both at the net and with the serve, and with Argentina missing the few opportunities that they were presented with, Pimpichaya Kokram guided her team to the first set 25-17. Argentina came out fighting and established a slight lead as the teams approached double figures, but as the ball dropped in after being left by Clarisa Sagardia you could sense that the tide started to shift. With the scores level at 14-14, Thailand’s setter Pornpun Guedpard produced a moment of magic when she played a blind overhead one handed shot to turn a moment of pressure into a point for her side. 19-15 saw another mega rally with a dominant Thailand attacking from all positions, with Argentina finding a way to get the ball back until an over pass left them with no options and they fell to the same score as the first set. As with the two previous sets, it was Thailand’s ability to grasp the initiative with the serve that made the difference, enjoying their time on the service line throughout the whole match and outscoring their opponent 7-0 in the ace count. Argentina introduced Velez Sarsfield spiker Sol Piccolo for the third set, and despite playing a third of the time came close to finishing top scorer after making a real difference for her team. In the end it was all smiles for Thailand as they strode to a straight sets win, 25-16 in the final set. SOUTH KOREA 3-0 CHINA Ningbo, China, May 17, 2018 - Yeon Koung Kim and Jaeyeong Lee combined for 32 points as Korea pulled off a stunning 3-0 (25-15, 25-15, 25-13) victory over China on the third night of the inaugural women's FIVB Volleyball Nations League on Thursday. The two heavy hitters each finished with 16 points with captain Kim making 13 spikes, two blocks and an ace and Lee racking up 14 kills from 33 swings as the Koreans toppled their great Asian rivals for the first time since 2010. The Koreans showed no sign of weariness despite needing five sets to beat the Dominican Republic 24 hours earlier, with opposite spiker Heejin Kim also playing a prominent role with 10 points in what is the biggest upset so far in the new competition. China, who had won their two previous matches against Dominican Republic and Belgium in straight sets, struggled from the outset in the absence of many of their key senior players, including their inspirational captain Zhu Ting. Xinyue Yuan, 21, was China's top scorer for the second match in a row, with the middle blocker finishing on 12 points. Wing spiker Xiatong Liu was the next best with seven while teenage sensation Yingying Li had just five points, her lowest haul of the tournament. After losing their opening match to Belgium, the Koreans have steadily improved with each match, coming from behind to beat Dominican Republic in a nail-biter on Wednesday before producing a masterful display to topple the number one ranked team in the world and complete Pool 2 with two wins and a loss, the same record as China. Lee laid the foundations for her team's win when she came out on court with all guns blazing, contributing nine points in the opening set, including seven kills that put the error-prone Chinese under immediate pressure at the front and back of the court. Yuan emerged as China's salvation in attack, registering five offensive points, but the hosts gave up six points on errors, a trend that continued throughout the match. China made a brighter start to the second set as Li and Liu briefly penetrated the Korean blockers but their progress was halted by more mistakes, with another 10 errors in the second set alone. With libero Myungok Yim pulling off a series of spectactular saves, the Koreans got their noses in front then surged away to snatch a 2-0 lead to the shock of the home crowd at the Beilun Sport and Art Centre. The third set was a repeat of the first two. Kim, who has 60 points from her first three matches in the tournament, began to assert her authority as Korea's blockers succeeded in thwarting China's rattled attack as the end came quickly. China travels to Macau next week to play against Poland, Serbia and Thailand in Pool 7 while Korea returns home to host Germany, Russia and Italy in Pool 6. NETHERLANDS 3-0 RUSSIA Ekaterinburg, Russia, May 17, 2018 – As Lonneke Slöetjes continues to watch on, Celeste Plak again showed why she is the starting opposite for the world famous orange side right now. Plak top scored again, this time with 18 points against Russia, and put in a dominant attacking display from both front and backcourt. The Netherlands dominated in all of the major statistics from the match, with the exception of the ace count (0-8), but in the only one that matters they won 3-0 (25-22, 25-20, 27-25). Unfortunately, just as the game got going, it was all over. The third set was actually dominated for the vast majority by Russia, but they eventually allowed the Dutch side to get back into it. The away team may have eventually needed 3 match points to take the victory, but it was the rally that brought up the first of these that got everyone talking. At 23-23 Anne Buijs pulled off one of the defensive saves of the match, if not the tournament, before hitting a powerful line shot with no run up that not only won the point but also floored the setter of Russia. The Netherlands, who have now won at least one set in each of their last 23 international matches, looked composed and ready for this one. As the previous results have shown they attack from all positions and this match was no different. With the Dutch libero Kirsten Knip dominating the backcourt, the foundations were there for their team to attack from the off. Celeste Plak will rightly take most of the headlines, but this was a real team effort. Russia do have a dominant record over the Netherlands, but they have now lost the last three times they have faced them. Kseniia Parubets was their top scorer with 45 points before the match and with another 17 points against the Netherlands her importance to the Russian side is even further enhanced. In what was the best attended match of the week at the Palace of Sports, all were treated to two of the worlds leading teams going toe to toe. Both have aspirations of going far in the Volleyball Nations League, but it is the Netherlands that will move on to Japan the happier. Russia next take to the court against Italy in Suwon, Korea. With both teams undefeated in the Volleyball Nations League until now, this match was bound to be close, and so proved to be the case in the opening exchanges. One player in particular who had her game face on was Yvon Belien, who despite not serving any aces in the first set, applied the pressure from the service line - so it was fitting that the Dutch middle blocker walked to the service line on set point at 24-22. Her pressing serve was returned with interest by Russia but some amazing diving defence by Celeste Plak set up the Dutch setter Laura Dijkema to spike the winner (yes you read that correctly) and her trademark celebration run around the court followed. The same trend continued in the second, but one moment that brought all of the home fans to their feet was a point where three diving digs eventually returned the ball over the net only for Russia to kill block Anne Buijs on an overpass attack. However, with the Netherlands dominating things in the middle of the net, soon it was set point and a serving error from Russia brought the second set to an end at 25-20. It was now or never for the home side as they attempted to avoid the whitewash on their home court and they started stronger than in any previous set. Russian setter Tatiana Romanova served and spread the ball well, allowing experienced wing spiker Irina Voronkova to show her power from the service line as well as at the net. Russia seemed in control at 15-12, but a number of unforced errors brought the Dutch side back into it. One comical point worthy of a mention involved Nicole Koolhaas playing a winning dig from pretty much under the net. From here the world number 8 side tightened their grip and captain Maret Balkestein-Grothues guided the Netherlands home for a straight sets win. BRAZIL 3-1 SERBIA Barueri, Brazil, May 17, 2018 - Ana Beatriz helped fire a brilliant Brazil comeback as Serbia were eventually ground down and defeated 3-1 (23-25 25-22 25-14 25-21). It was the perfect way for Ze Roberto’s team to end the first week of VNL action, this victory capping a strong response to that shock opening game defeat to Germany by reeling off two successive wins. Middle blocker Beatriz was the star - scoring eight points and adding eight blocks - but what will have pleased the Brazil coaches the most was how everyone managed to contribute and diffuse a powerful Serbian side. Amanda finished with 11 points while Tandara (six points), Ade (six points and six blocks) also made excellent and vital contributions. Serbia , led by the irrepressible Tijana Boskovic and Branicka Mihajlovic, roared out of the blocks and deserved a one set lead but with coach Terzic Zoran shuffling his pack as the match wore on, his second string weren’t able to keep a Brazilian team at bay who will now head to Turkey next week in good spirits. Brazil may have won the last two Grand Prix tournaments, are two time double Olympic champions and boast a record of 12 wins from the last 14 meetings with the European champions. The statistics , however, counted for little in Tuesday’s shock defeat to Germany and even though Ze Roberto’s side bounced straight back against Japan, taking on the powerful Serbians would be the acid test. Boskovic, the star performer in the first match against Japan, was used sparingly in the second match with the Germans in order to keep her firing for the biggest match of Pool Four so far. Brankica Mihajlovic was also a huge threat to the Brazilians who needed libero Suelen to be on top form. Roberta, the captain, was also needed to lead from the front - and an ace from the very first point was a decent start. Serbia’s attack however was ruthless and on point. Brazil were defending resolutely yet the scampering around the court to repel Boskovic’s brute force began to take its toll. Ze Roberto’s team needed to fight fire with fire. Tandara was leading the charge while the packed, excitable home crowd were roaring their heroines on, even unleashing a Mexican wave to get everyone pumping. And it seemed to help Brazil who were sticking close to the Serbians before managing to sneak ahead 14-12. It didn’t last. Boskovic, just 21 years-old, was being attracted to the ball like a magnet, her spikes breaking the 100kph barrier leaving the startled team in yellow desperately searching for answers. She finished with just four points but will undoubedtly return next week fresh and ready to make amends. Terzic Zoran’s team were the most dangerous offensively yet Brazil were refusing to wilt. Amanda’s introduction helped the home side but Serbia had a set point and fittingly it was Boskovic who smashed home at the first time of asking. The Brazilians lost their first two games at the Grand Champions Cup last year and it already looked like an uphill struggle if a repeat was to be avoided here. Midway through the second set, it was fiendishly tight once again. Serbia’s focus began to slip. The European champions needed to regroup. A brilliant kill block from Ana gave Brazil an 18-16 lead and really had the 5,000 strong crowd believing. Mihajlovic was a constant thorn in their side but an epic rally eventually won by the home team saw them move within touching distance of bringing the tie level. One set point went begging but when Sladjana Mirkovic served long, Serbia had dropped their first set of the tournament and Brazil were alive and kicking. Tandara’s influence on the game was growing while Ade’s defensive work was crucially important as the twice Olympic champions extended their lead to 17-10 in the third. Boskovic and Mihajlovic’s were taken out of the fire and it showed as their less experienced colleagues wilted under the pressure allowing Ze Roberto’s side to take the fourth set with ease. The momentum was with Brazil and although Serbia , who travel to Macau for the next phase of the VNL, emerged from their slumber to make it interesting towards the end, the result was never in doubt. Brazil were actually outspiked (38-40) and made far more errors (31-18). Yet they grew stronger as the game wore on and produced winners on a more consistent basis to end their home stretch on a real high. JAPAN 3-1 GERMANY Barueri, Brazil, May 17, 2018 - Sarina Koga weighed in with 22 points as Japan finally experienced that winning VNL feeling by seeing off a determined Germany 3-1 (25-21 25-23 21-25 25-17) .The NEC Red Rockets wing spiker was a constant threat for the Japanese who managed to put successive defeats to Serbia and Brazil behind them by sealing their first major world tournament triumph of 2018.It wasn’t a perfect performance from the Asian champions who were pushed terrifically hard by a German team who refused to buckle under incessant pressure.There were too many mistakes - especially on serve - but their defense in particular was excellent with middle blockers Man Okumura ( nine blocks) and Nana Iwasaka ( five blocks ) both impressive.German hopes were , once again , led by Louisa Lippmann (18 points) and Maren Fromm (nine points) and although a comeback looked on the cards when they hauled a set back having gone 2-0, the mountain was too steep to climb.Nevertheless, both sides will now enjoy four days off - and a fair bit of traveling - before the second phase begins next week safe in the knowledge their performances in Brazil have given their respective coaching teams plenty to work with as the VNL progresses.Japan were desperate to end the first round of matches with a morale boosting win . Tough workouts against Brazil and Serbia ensured the Japanese headed into this clash with Germany with scars to bear following a testing few days in Sao Paulo.Their opponents , however, were in fine fettle. Although that shock win over the hosts was the standout performance of the tournament so far, losing in straight sets to Serbia in their next game handed Felix Koslowski’s side a timely reality check.It’s been two years since Germany suffered consecutive defeats at a world level major tournament and in a keenly contested opening set, it was the Europeans who managed to maintain the upper hand.Yet their serve was letting them down with too many errors ensuring a build up of pressure was quickly defused.And even with Lippmann producing the kind of form which undid Brazil, it was Japan, led by wing spiker Mari Horikawa who managed to steer the Asian champions into a 21-19 lead which was eventually converted into a first set advantage.Germany needed to refocus or risk the tie drifting away from their grasp. Japan’s attempts to take a commanding two set lead were being undone by mistakes yet with wing spiker Koga proving a powerful force at the net, they remained 16-14 ahead.The lead exchanged hands multiple times , Lippmann showing her worth once more before being pegged back by Japan . An inability to hold serve, however, from both teams was costing them dear. At 21-21 , it was really was anyone’s game. Koga’s finesse (the decision to tap over rather than spike with the score at 23-23 was to ultimately prove key ) helped Kumi Nakada’s side move two sets to the good and on the brink of a vital first VNL triumph.Koslowski’s team , who head to Korea for the next round of games while Japan travel home to Toyota , refused to be overawed by the task in hand and responded strongly in the third.Lippmann and the tireless Maren Fromm were keeping the Europeans alive and at the halfway mark, Germany had established a 13-10 lead and this time , they were able to keep the pressure on.With the score at 20-16, some brilliant defense by opposite spiker Lippmann put the Germans on the brink of sealing the first part of what would have been a remarkable comeback.Japan’s energetic rearguard saved three set points to make it 24-21 but they couldn’t hold out for any longer as Germany edged back in at the end of an enthralling 34 minute set.The fourth followed suit early on but Japan began to pull away and once a six point lead was established, the game was finally up. TURKEY 3-0 POLAND Lincoln, United States, May 17, 2018 - Turkey continued its dream start to the Volleyball Nations League as Meliha Ismailoglu stepped up to sink Poland in straight sets (25-21, 25-17, 25-23) and gave her team its third straight win.Ismailoglu took over the bulk of the attacking duties and crushed home 13 total points as Turkey maintained its unbeaten record to complete a superb trip to Nebraska in the opening series of VNL matches. Seyma Ercan was also a key factor in the win, coming up with nine kills and a pair of timely service winners.A day after clinching a major upset over the United States in a thrilling encounter at the Bob Devaney Sports Center, Giovanni Guidetti’s squad carried its momentum forwards and has now established itself as a genuine threat in the global competition, despite coming in ranked 12th in the world.In defeat, Malwina Smarzek continued her impressive form and collected 14 total points, but Poland’s young group was unable to control its error count and saw the match slip away from them.The Turkish line-up, with a fresh mindset and boundless energy, were not expected to dominate this round but made a strong start on the opening day and never looked back, winning the hearts of the Nebraska crowd in the process. If expectations were low before, that is no longer the case. Within moments of the match being clinched Guidetti collected his players around him, and warned them that the pressure will only increase from this point onwards. On the evidence of this week, they are more than equipped to cope with it.Poland came out strongly in the opening set with Smarzek a tower of power and Natalia Medrzyk continuing to shine. Having taken the USA close before then edging out Italy in a decider, Jacek Nawrocki’s side had every right to feel confident, but, in what would become a theme of the afternoon, committed too many mistakes when it mattered most. Ismailoglu and the ever-lively Meryem Boz took charge late in the opener to clinch it by a four-point margin and set Turkey firmly on their way to all three points.Ercan came into her own after the interval as Poland slipped behind and could not narrow the gap, with Ismailoglu appropriately slamming down the set-winning spike and letting out a yell of delight.In the third, Poland finally hit top gear as Agnieszka Kakolewska and Smarzek both produced huge blocks and Medrzyk went on a run of serves to open up a 9-5 gap.Turkey simply chipped away at the deficit though, with Guidetti making smart use of his bench to introduce veteran Kubra Caliskan as a calming influence. So it proved, and when a Caliskan serve hit the net and trickled over the scores were level at 19.Things were still tied at 22-22 but from then on, Turkey’s power players took over. Ismailoglu blocked Medrzyk to put her team ahead, and after another Polish mistake Ercan rose high to deliver to final block that capped off a magnificent week for the Turks. UNITED STATES 3-0 ITALY \ Lincoln, United States, May 17, 2018 - Jordan Larson guided the United States to a straight sets victory (25-21, 25-18, 25-21) over Italy to put their Volleyball Nations League campaign back on track.Larson, the team’s inspirational captain, led the way with dominant play and intense leadership, producing seven winners to help the team bounce back from their shock defeat to Turkey a day earlier. A home favorite thanks to her successful college career at the University of Nebraska, Larson refused to let up as Italy’s hopes were quickly snuffed out at the Bob Devaney Sports Center.Kim Hill produced a polished performance with nine points on offense as the USA ended the VNL’s Nebraska leg on a positive note, having collected seven tournament points from a possible nine.“Yesterday we difficult for us but we came out strong today,” Larson said. “We have only been together for a couple of days and we have a lot to build on.”Middle blocker Marina Lubian, 18, and Anastasia Guerra put up a solid fight but were unable to prevent a mostly inexperienced Italian group from slipping to their third straight defeat of the competition. Both Lubian and Guerra powered home eight kills and a service winner apiece.After the thrills of Wednesday night ultimately ended in disappointment, the home crowd were ready for a bounce back performance from the host nation, and they got one. The comprehensive nature of the result was just what coach Karch Kiraly was looking for and delivered a boost heading into the next round of matches, in which the USA will travel to Japan to take on that nation, plus Belgium and the Netherlands. Following the completion of the first phase, the USA now sits in third place overall, behind the Netherlands and Turkey, while Italy is in second-to-last spot on a single point.Kiraly was calm heading into the match, but made it clear that he expected a greatly improved output and enhanced focus. Within the opening minutes, the USA gave a clear signal of intent when Foluke Akinradewo smashed a spike into the face of Miryam Sylla to set up a 9-5 lead. While the Italian bravely shrugged off her discomfort, the tone of the match was set - the USA meant business. Despite Italy’s best efforts, the Americans pressed forwards. A big block from Tetori Dixon teed up set point and the local supporters were soon celebrating a 1-0 advantage.Another strong start gave the USA the ascendancy in the second, as Larson popped up with crucial interventions whenever Italy got with touching distance. A comical misstep on set point saw Larson swinging at thin air and laughing at the mishap, but Akinradewo finished things off emphatically moments later.Italy was not content to let this leg of the VNL campaign slip by and raised a final spirited effort in the third. Guerra let fly with some big serving and Camilla Mingardi showed fight to give the visitors a 14-11 lead. It wasn’t enough. The relentless nature of the USA game forces an aggressive approach from their opponents, meaning that mistakes inevitably creep in sooner or later. So it proved, a spate of misfires leveling the scores at 14 and from then on, there was no stopping Kiraly’s crew.Hill showed pinpoint accuracy to go with her natural power as the USA moved ahead, and Dixon crushed a pair of winners to solidify the advantage.Larson took the USA to verge of victory with a stunning ace, before Michelle Bartsch-Hackley capped off a strong week with the decisive strike.The USA were always going to be one of the favorites for the competition, coming in a defending world champions, and despite the Turkey setback have staked their claim as a leading contender for the trophy. However, some challenging road trips await.Italy, meanwhile, are expected to recall several veteran players who were rested for the Nebraska trip, as they head to to Suwon, where they will face host South Korea plus Germany and Russia, in week two.

Day 03 UNITED STATES 3-0 ITALY (25-21 / 25-18 / 25-21)

Day 03 TURKEY 3-0 POLAND (25-21 / 25-17 / 25-23)

Day 03 BRAZIL 3-1 SERBIA (23-25 / 25-22 / 25-14 / 25-21)

Day 03 NETHERLANDS 3-0 RUSSIA (25-22 / 25-20 / 27-25)

Go Canada

Day 03 THAILAND 3-0 ARGENTINA (25-17 / 25-17 / 25-16)

Day 03 SOUTH KOREA 3-0 CHINA ( 25-15 / 25-15 / 25-13)

Korea destroys china

Day 03 BELGIUM 3-2 DOMINICAN REPUBLIC ( 16-25 / 25-18 / 18-25 / 15-7)

WOMEN'S Week 1, day 3 SCHEDULE (17 MAY 2018) all times are CEST 10:00 Dominican Republic - Belgium 13:30 Argentina - Thailand 13:30 China - South Korea 16:00 Netherlands - Russia 20:00 Brazil - Serbia 22:30 Japan - Germany 00:00 Turkey - Poland 02:30 Italy - United States

PRELIMINARY ROUND STANDINGS after 1 played match System: 1. CHINA is automaticaly qualified as final 6 Host. 2. TOP 5 TEAMS after the preliminary round qualify for the final round. 3. If China is among the top 5 teams , THE 6-th RANKED TEAM also qualifies. 4. The 12 CORE TEAMS can not be relegated. 4. The WEAKEST PLACED CHALLENGER team may be relegated from the competition if they lose the relegation playoff against the FIVB Challenger Cup (to be played at a later date) winner. Tie-Break Criteria: 1.Matches Won/Lost Ratio (MW/ML) 2. Points Achieved (3 PTS = 3:0 or 3:1 win ; 2 PTS = 3:2 win ; 1PTS = 2:3 defeat ; 0PTS = 0:3 or 1:3 defeat) 3. Set Ratio. Nation MW ML PTS SET 1. QUALIFIED 2 0 6 6:0 2. 2 0 6 6:0 3. 2 0 6 6:1 4. 2 0 6 6:1 5. 2 0 5 6:2 6. 1 1 4 5:4 7. 1 1 3 4:4 8. CHALLENGER 1 1 3 3:3 9. 1 1 3 3:4 10. CHALLENGER 1 1 2 4:5 11. 1 1 2 3:5 12. 0 2 1 2:6 13 CHALLENGER 0 2 1 2:6 14 CHALLENGER 0 2 0 2:6 15 0 2 0 1:6 16: 0 2 0 1:6

DAY 02 SUMMARY SOUTH KOREA 3-2 DOMINICAN REPUBLIC Ningbo, China, May 16, 2018 - Kim Yeon Koung delivered a masterclass display of power and precision to lead Korea to a nailbiting 3-2 (26-24, 25-27, 21-25, 25-14, 15-12) win over the Dominican Republic in the second round of the inaugural women's FIVB Volleyball Nations League on Wednesday. Desperate to get her team back in the winner's circle after losing their opening match against Belgium 24 hours earlier, the Korean captain held her nerve under intense pressure to steer her team out of trouble and to victory in the first five-setter of the new competition. Kim racked up 29 points, from 26 spikes and three vital blocks, and was going just as strong at the end as she was at the start. Su Ji Kim finished with 18 points, including seven blocks, one of which set up match point, while the athletic Jaeyeong Lee scored 15 offensive points. No one felt Dominican Republic's heartbreaking loss more than Brayelin Martinez, who scored a game-high 31 points to take her Caribbean team to the brink of victory. The impressive Gaila Gonzalez was also a constant threat to the Koreans, contributing 17 points, while middle blocker Jineiry Martinez chipped in with 14. Ranked 9th (Dominican Republic) and 10th (Korea) in the world, the match was always expected to be close, but the fans at the Beilun Sport and Art Centre were treated to a heart-stopping thriller, with the result in the balance right until the very end. Lee pulled off an outrageous shot to clinch the first set for the Koreans after they almost let it slip. Dominican Republic levelled the scores at 24-24 after saving a set point but were powerless to prevent Korea taking the set when Lee, lunging forward just to save a point, succeeded in clearing the net to win the point herself and clinch a 1-0 lead for her own side. The second set was just as tight but this time, Dominican Republic capitalised when Korea missed their chance. Kim, who had eight kills in the opening set, added another seven in the second, including one ferocious hit that penetrated the defence to give her a team a set point at 24-23. But Dominican Republic held strong with some powerful blocks and a clever dink from Gonzalez before taking the set to level the match. Revitalised after winning their first set of the tournament after being soundly beaten 3-0 by China on Tuesday, Dominican Republic made a confident start to the third with 20-year-old Martinez setting the tone by serving an early ace. The formidable pairing of Martinez and Gonzalez then took over with their heavy hitting and accurate shotmaking putting the Koreans under intense pressure as Dominican Republic took the set and the lead. Needing to quickly turn things around, Kim took it upon herself to get her side back into the contest and the Korean captain delivered when it mattered most, producing a stunning array of spikes as the 2014 Asian Games champions forced a deciding fifth set. Dominican Republic led through the shortened fifth set but Korea never gave in and after the teams were tied at 12-12, they reeled off the last three points to clinch victory and trigger wild celebrations among their exhausted but delighted players. NETHERLANDS 3-1 ARGENTINA Ekaterinburg, Russia, May 16, 2018 - Anne Buijs was the star of the show for the Netherlands as they recovered from a set down to see off Argentina 3-1 (22-25, 25-19, 25-8, 25-18) and make it two wins from two in Pool 1 of the women’s Volleyball Nations League. Buijs had already impressed for the Dutch with 14 points in their opening 3-0 victory over Thailand, and the 26-year-old - twice voted best outside spiker at the European Championships - was simply too hot for the South Americans to handle, coming up with another 15 points to help the Netherlands make it six wins over Argentina in major world-level competitions. Buijs was ably assisted by her partner-in-crime Celeste Plak, who had top-scored against the Thais with 16 points and added another 13 against Argentina. Middle blocker Nicole Koolhaas (10 points) and captain Maret Balkestein-Grothues (six points) also played their part, while Yvon Belien had seven points, three blocks and two aces. It was an all-too familiar story for Argentina, who also won the first set against hosts Russia in their first outing before succumbing to a 3-1 defeat. Anahi Florencia Tosi led the way with 11 points, while her sister Agnes Victoria Michel Tosi contributed seven and wing spiker Elina Rodriguez added eight. Captain Florencia Natasha Busquets Reyes also had three points, three blocks and two aces, but in spite of their bright start the world’s 11th-ranked team simply made too many errors - 21 to the Netherlands’ 13. Just as they had against the Russians, Argentina made a dominant start, with Antonela Fortuna firing them into a 5-1 lead. Plak responded as the Dutch looked to find a foothold, but the women in orange were undone by a series of errors, and loose serves in particular. The South Americans remained on top throughout, with setter Clarisa Sagardia impressing from deep and the Tosi sisters coming up with the goods at the net. Buijs gave some hints of what was to come with some big hits from out on the left, but she was starved of service as Marrit Jasper came off the bench and served into the net to hand Argentina the opener (25-22). The second set got off to a much narrower start as the Dutch finally started to get into their groove, with good work from Laura Dijkema and captain Balkestein-Grothues helping them stay within touching distance. Argentina briefly threatened to run away with it when an Agnes Tosi block clipped the line to give them a 14-11 advantage, but five unanswered points for the Dutch put them back in the driving seat and they never looked back. Belien and Dijkema continued to frustrate their opponents at the net while Plak added further spikes as Jamie Morrison’s side levelled things up (25-19). A cute touch from Balkestein-Grothues and another enormous spike from Plak helped the Netherlands move into a 5-2 lead in the third set, and though Busquets Reyes got one back Argentina went completely AWOL, with the Dutch embarking on a devastating streak of eight consecutive points. Buijs and Koolhaas both starred as the Europeans, in total control, took an 11-point lead into the technical time out (16-5). Argentina failed to even make it into double figures as Balkestein-Grothues whipped a brilliant spike cross-court on the way to securing a straightforward set for the Dutch (25-8). Argentina rallied at the start of the fourth, with a huge spike from Rodriguez cancelling out a nice touch from Belien. It was nip-and-tuck through the early part of the set, but after more excellent work from Belien - first a block and then a sizzling diagonal spike - the Dutch took an advantage that they wouldn’t relinquish (8-6). More magic from Buijs helped them extend their lead to 18-13 by the final time out, and thanks to some fine defensive work from libero Myrthe Schoot they soon brought up six match points. Argentina saved one, but a service fault from Julieta Constanza Lazcano ensured the Netherlands’ 3-1 victory. They should go into Thursday’s crunch game against hosts Russia with plenty of confidence, while Argentina will be desperate to get a first win on the board against Thailand. CHINA 3-0 BELGIUM Ningbo, China, May 16, 2018 - Xinyue Yuan produced a sublime all-round display to lead a younger, less experienced Chinese team to a comprehensive 3-0 (25-14, 25-20, 25-13) victory over Belgium on the second day of the inaugural women's FIVB Volleyball Nations League on Wednesday. With the world's number one ranked team opting to rest several senior players, including the captain Zhu Ting, Yuan joined her teenage teammate Yingying Li in a potent demonstration of the incredible depth of talent in the Chinese squad. Yuan, 21, finished with 13 points, including eight of nine winning spikes, while Li chipped in with nine points,from eight kills a single block, and Fangxu Yang racked up seven offensive points before being substituted for the third set. Opposite spiker Kaja Grobelna led Belgium with 13 points while the energetic Britt Herbots tallied six and Laure Flament five as the Europeans found the Olympic champions too tough after starting the tournament with a 3-0 win over Korea. China, the early favourites to win the new competition, collected maximum points for the second match in a row after beating Dominican Republic 3-0 on Tuesday and show no sign of letting up with the next wave of players pushing for selection. With so many potent shotmakers in the squad, China was able to go on a series of high-scoring runs, racking up the points against a committed and skilful Belgian team that ultimately had no answers to the power of the host-nation. With the crowd at the Beilun Sport and Art Centre still buzzing after Korea's thrilling 3-2 win over Dominican Republic in the earlier pool game, China's players showed off their full repertoire of skills both in attack and defence and it was breathtaking at times. A block from 20-year-old blocker Yuanyuan Wang saw China race out to a 15-5 lead before a kill from middle blocker Yuan stretched the advantage to 18-7. The Yellow Tigers managed to save three set points but a clinical dump from substitute wing spiker Yanhan Liu clinched the set for China. With Grobelna and Herbots finding their rhythm, Belgium kept in closer touch with China in the second set but came up just short and China's heavy hitters then ran away with the third to win in straight sets. RUSSIA 3-1 THAILAND Ekaterinburg, Russia, May 16, 2018 - Captain Kseniia Parubets produced another sensational performance to help Russia overcome a spirited challenge from Thailand on Wednesday, and move level with the Netherlands at the top of Pool 1 in the women’s Volleyball Nations League after a hard-fought 3-1 (25-23, 13-25, 25-18, 30-28) win. Parubets had already been instrumental in Russia’s 3-1 victory over Argentina on Tuesday - top-scoring with 21 points - and she was at it again at the Palace of Sports, leading by example with an eye-watering total of 24 points - over a quarter of her team’s final haul. The 23-year-old finished with a game-high 23 spikes, while Natalia Malykh added a further 18 points for the hosts - 16 spikes, one block and one ace - and middle blocker Irina Fetisova chipped in with 12. Thailand perhaps deserved better after an impressive showing, and came agonisingly close to taking the match into a deciding fifth set. Pimpichaya Kokram led the way for the visitors with 17 points, closely followed by Hattaya Bamrungsuk on 14 and Ajcharaporn Kongyot on 12. The Thais - ranked 16th in the world, compared to fifth for the Russians - actually outscored the hosts 94-93 on points, but they failed to make their dominance count at the key moments as they looked to claim just a second win in 15 meetings with Russia, and their first since 2013. On paper, then, Russia were the clear favourites - especially on home soil - but the visitors apparently hadn’t read the script. Kokram and Pornpun Guedpard helped the Asians surge into a 7-3 first-set lead, though the Russians served notice of their potential by winning two spectacular rallies, with Malykh and Olga Biryukova doing the damage. More excellent setting from Pornpun gave Thailand a 16-11 advantage, but Russia clawed it back in a breathless end to the set. Ekaterina Efimova and Malykh got the hosts back on level terms, before back-to-back spikes from Biryukova and a Fetisova effort brought up set point, and Malykh saw it out in style (25-23). The second set followed a similar pattern as Thailand once again hit the ground running, with an ace from Hattaya seeing them into a 6-1 lead. A fine block from Chatchu-On Moksri and another thundering spike from Pimpichaya extended the gap to eight points (14-6), and though Russia rang the changes they were unable to reduce the deficit. Ajcharaporn added a couple more with a deft mixture of silk and steel, and the hosts soon found themselves a whopping 12 points adrift. Russia rallied briefly but the set was always going Thailand’s way, with Hattaya providing the final flourish (25-13). Russia began to assert themselves again after a cagey start to the third set, with a huge effort from Irina Voronkova setting them on a charge. Chatchu-On kept Thailand ticking over, but another spike from Malykh put the hosts into a five-point lead (11-6). Parubets began to demonstrate why she is the terror of the Russian attack, with several monster hits from the captain putting Pankov Vadim’s side well on the way to taking the set. Iuliia Kutiukova came off the bench to shore things up as Thailand sent a return long to hand Russia the initiative (25-18). Thailand had been steadily improving at the net throughout, and captain Pleumjit Thinkaow came up with a sensational block as they raced into a 9-3 lead at the start of the fourth. Chatchu-On also got up well as the visitors kept their noses in front, despite good work from Malykh, Efimova and Fetisova. Pimpichaya’s commanding spike made it 21-18 to Thailand, but a magnificent block from Efimova kept Russia alive heading into an extraordinary finale. Thailand had opportunities to send the match into a decider - while the hosts squandered three match points - but fittingly it was Parubets who had the final word as the Russians finally got the better of their courageous visitors (30-28). Russia were far from their fluent best but maintained a perfect record going into Thursday’s highly anticipated clash against the Dutch - who have also won two from two - while Thailand will be hopeful of claiming a first victory over Argentina after this encouraging display. BRAZIL 3-1 JAPAN Sao Paulo, Brazil, May 16, 2018 - Opposite spiker Tandara Caixeta lifted Brazil as they recovered from a set down to see off a spirited Japan 3-1 (22-25, 25-18, 25-23, 25-11) and claim's the pool hosts first win of the women's Volleyball Nations League.The 29 year-old, who had 16 points to her name on Tuesday, took a while to settle but once she found her mark, she was unstoppable, scoring an whopping 25 points (including 2 aces) as she piled spike after spike on a poor Japan defense in an eye-watering performance.Tandara was ably assisted by middle blocker Adenizia Da Silva (9 blocks, 15 points) as the Olympic champs scored their first points coming from behind.Japan perhaps deserved better after an impressive showing as the Asian blocked had dominated the first set (5 of the team's 13 in total) and Sarina Koga scored 15 points.Pool hosts Brazil were out to redeem themeselves after their shocking opening day defeat in the hands of Germany - but Japan also needed to bounce back after they lost to Serbia.And just as they did against Germany, the Brazilians took an early lead as Gabriela Braga Guimaraes turned on the style (6-3). For the longest time, the South Americans remained in control despite Kanami Tashiro's smart decision making at the net and two reversed calls (16-12). Japan's block then started to thwart Brazil's plan with 5 kills into the first set to level at 18-18. All of a sudden, the pressure mounted onto the hosts as Tandara Caixata missed spike after spike (25-22).With now four straight sets lost for their favourites, the home crowd were less than happy. The local fans did have something to smile about, however, when the 2016 Olympic gold medallists finally hit the target thanks to no one but Tandara (6-4). The Osasco wing spiker kept on the good work and lead the Seleçao to a 17-11 lead as the Japanese block lost the manual. Now in cruise control, a Roberta-lead Brazil remained in front despite a last-minute rally from Japan (25-18).It seemed to have no effect on coach Kumi Nakada's team as the Japanese started strong while Brazil once again lurched back into old and inefficient routines (7-4). But the hosts clawed back into the game as their defence finally woke up and captain Roberta Silva Ratzke came up with a sensational block (9-9). It was just what was needed for the Brazilians to assert themselves: with their nose now in front as well as a really good defense, the South Americans seemed untouchable when they leapfrogged their opponents (16-13) but a magnificient spike from Sarina Koga kept Japan alive heading into the business end of the third (18-18). Another huge Tandara spike and a deft play by Roberta helped the Brazilians turned the table on Japan (25-23).The Asians, ranked 6th in the world, completed collapsed in the fourth, allowing their hosts to run away with it (12-4) as the Japanese machine misfired and Saori Takahashi got it all wrong. A Brazil double save and a fabulous dig from Amanda then saw the South American champions remain in a commanding position (16-7). Nothing was to stop Brazil from easing past a defenseless Japan: it was only a matter of when, not if, as the massively popular libero Jaque came on in the closing minutes to wrap it up (25-11). SERBIA 3-0 GERMANY Sao Paulo, Brazil, May 16, 2018 - Jovana Stevanovic's ten blocks helped Serbia to easily see off Germany 3-0 (25-16, 25-21, 25-17) and claim their second straight win in Wednesday's action at the women's Volleyball Nations League.Scandicci's Stevanovic led the way for an incredibly efficient Balkan wall with ten kills to her name, almost half of her team's 22. The 25 year-old also scored three spikes to round off a stunning performance.On top of that, Brankica Mihajlovic scored 19 points as Serbia showed they came to Brazil with hunger for success.Germany made too many mistakes to trouble Terzic Zoran's team: the usually formidable duo of Louisa Lippmann (5 spikes out of 23 attempts) and Maren Fromm (3 out of 14) was limited to under fifteen points in total.Both teams came into the game off victories of Brazil (3-1) and Japan (3-0) but history was on the side of Germany as the Balkan side have only beaten Germany once before in a world competition, at the 2014 FIVB World Grand Prix.But statistics are meant to be contradicted and the Serbs took an early lead thanks to a commanding performance from their wall, who managed seven kills in the first set alone. Germany was too clumsy and, when Lippman failed to hit the target once again, Serbia easily claimed the first set after another block by Stevanovic (25-16).It was more of the same in the second with Germany hitting wide while Mihajlovic and Ana Bjelica turned on the style. This gave Serbia a commanding lead. But Germany is a formidable opponent and clawed back into the set when Lippman finally found the instruction manual with back-to-back spikes. It just wasn't enough, however, and Serbia surged to a 2-0 lead (25-21).With the wind in its sails, Serbia cruised to an easy victory as the Olympic silver medallists didn't stutter: Tijana Boškovic came on but the young superstar didn't have her work cut ouf for her as Germany couldn't mount a challenge for the Serbs. Mistake after mistake gave Serbia an insurmontable lead to finish off their sweep (25-17). POLAND 3-2 ITALY Lincoln, United States, May 16, 208 - Agnieszka Kakolewska produced a true captain’s performance to power Poland’s Volleyball Nations League campaign into life with a fearless all-round display to sink Italy in a nail-biting 3-2 victory (21-25, 25-14, 19-25, 25-17, 15-12).Kakolewska thundered down the decisive kill to spark huge celebrations as the young Polish side racked up its first win of the tournament and completed an effort that saw the skipper turn in 21 total points, highlighted by tenacious defense. Malwina Smarzek provided priceless support throughout and was the heartbeat of Poland’s attacking output, contributing 23 attacking winners.Anastasia Guerra was persistent for Italy in a contest that could have gone either way and was locked at 12-12 in the fifth before Kakolewska and Smarzek combined for three straight points. Guerra racked up 15 points on attack and three more with intelligent serving, but her brave endeavors just fell short.Poland is ranked 22nd in the world and, as one of the VNL’s challenger teams, faces the threat of being relegated at the end of the season. Tuesday’s hard-fought performance in defeat to the United States was hugely encouraging, but it is this result that will add a major boost to head coach Jacek Nawrocki’s hopes of tournament survival.For Italy, ranked seven but using a young and inexperienced line-up while senior players are being rested at the end of the tiring European campaign, the narrow defeat was a painful blow. There was little to separate the teams but ultimately Poland held its nerve at the moments of greatest pressure and recovered from a difficult start.Trailing 20-16 in the first set Nawrocki’s team fought back to 21-21 on the back of a spirited serving streak from Martyna Lukasik. However, Italy’s two most dominant players then took over, with Miryam Sylla unleashing two huge spikes and Guerra following another winner with an unreturnable serve to seal the set.Smarzek, whose physicality and tenacity had given the USA headaches on Tuesday, was largely neutralized in the first, but found her groove after the interval. An uncharacteristically tame miss led to a snarl of frustration and seemed to spark her into life, and Poland rode her improved form into a comprehensive lead. There was an extended delay with Poland leading 19-11 as Italy coach Davide Mazzanti and captain Ofelia Malinov were increasingly angered by the outcome of a video replay that appeared to show no more than a routine kill by Smarzek, the 191cm opposite spiker.Poland closed out the set handily, but momentum would soon shift again and when Serena Ortolani’s inspired run of form gave Italy the third frame, the Polish challenge seemed to be withering.However, just like their clash against the Americans, the Poles were unfazed by adversity. Kakolewska gathered her players around her and demanded a fresh burst of enthusiasm to begin the fourth and Italy’s surge ran out of steam with Guerra and Sylla going temporarily cold.Poland started the fifth in resounding fashion and swiftly opened up a 7-1 lead that looked to be enough to clinch victory, but this classic contest was not done yet. Marina Lubian stepped up to pull Italy level with a winning block and an accurate spike winner and the clash was in the balance once more. Ultimately though, the game’s two most impactful players - Kakolewska and Smarzek - came through in the clutch, sealing the final three points and a morale-boosting triumph for one of the tournament’s most exciting young teams.Poland plays Turkey on Thursday, while Italy concludes action at the Bob Devaney Sports Center in Nebraska by challenging the host nation later the same day. TURKEY 3-2 UNITED STATES Lincoln, United States, May 16, 2018 - Zehra Gunes’ defensive masterclass led Turkey to a stunning upset of the United States in the Volleyball Nations League, as the heavily-favored hosts went down in a 3-2 thriller (28-26, 25-19, 20-25, 24-26, 16-14).Gunes came up with eight huge blocks as Turkey dug deep to withstand a furious American fightback and send the world champions tumbling to an unexpected defeat in front of their own fans in Nebraska.Meryem Boz was also in top form, piling on 15 attacking points as Turkey, with 11 rookies in its squad, held its nerve to overcome one of the most powerful teams in world volleyball.Captain Jordan Larson spent most of the first two sets on the bench but spearheaded the USA revival after the hosts went 2-0 down. However, it was not enough to see off the visitors, who grew in confidence throughout and now have two straight VNL victories to begin their campaign. Kim Hill collected 15 kills for Karch Kiraly’s Americans.Kiraly’s team was expected to have things its own way at Bob Devaney Sports Center this week but after surviving a close encounter against 22nd-ranked Poland on Tuesday, finally saw their luck run out against the 12th-ranked Turks.The exhortations of a passionate and patriotic audience helped the USA survive a match point in the fourth set and save three more in the fifth to level things at 14-14, but one final block clinched a memorable triumph for the underdogs in the inaugural version of the VNL.The night started with a set that became an instant classic. Over and over towards the end of the first, it seemed like the USA’s quality would shine through, but Turkey simply refused to go away. Wing spiker Ebrar Karakurt, 18, made a strong impact off the bench and there were countless magical contributions. Maliha Ismailoglu pulled things level with a delightful flip over the top, Boz turned defender with a set-saving block and three American set points were withstood before Turkey finally got one of their own - and converted when Kelsey Robinson drove the ball long.A swift American reaction was expected and a 9-5 lead was duly built in the second, but, with Larson and Michelle Bartsch-Hackley on the sidelines, some uncharacteristically sloppy play crept in. Both of those big hitters came in late in the set, but Boz clinched it with a sneaky tip over two blockers.Turkey coach Giovanni Guidetti was a bundle of energy, clapping, pumping his fist and urging even more effort from his tireless troop. Even a 18-11 USA lead in the third was not safe, the Americans being thankful for an overturned line call that gave them enough breathing room to narrow the gap.The end of the fourth set onwards was when Gunes truly stamped her authority. Three big blocks and a brutal spike from the 194cm middle blocker gave Turkey match point, only for some untimely nerves to allow the USA to turn a 24-23 deficit into a 26-24 set win.At that point, a Turkish collapse could perhaps have been forgiven, but while Guidetti’s team are still somewhat raw, they are made of stern stuff. Gunes was everywhere as Turkey eked out a 12-8 lead, then held three more match points at 14-11. Nerves surfaced once more, with Boz missing a clearcut chance for glory when her spike bounced off the antenna and the USA brought the scores even.But a miss from Hill and one last defensive gem block gave Turkey the result it deserved - and provided the VNL with one of its first sensational upsets.

Day 02 TURKEY 3-2 UNITED STATES ( 28-26 / 25-19 / 20-25 / 24-26 / 16-14)

Day 02 : POLAND 3-2 ITALY (21-25 / 25-14 /19-25 / 25-17 / 15-12)

Day 02 SERBIA 3-0 GERMANY (25-16 / 25-21 / 25-17)

Day 02 BRAZIL 3-1 JAPAN (22-25 / 25-18 / 25-23 / 25-11)

Day 02 RUSSIA 3-1 THAILAND (25-23 / 13-25 / 25-18 / 30-28)

Day 02 NETHERLANDS 3-1 ARGENTINA (22-25 / 25-19 / 25-8 / 25-18)

Day 02 CHINA 3-0 BELGIUM (25-14 / 25-20 / 25-13)

Day 02 SOUTH KOREA 3-2 DOMINICAN REPUBLIC (26-24 / 25-27 / 21-25 / 25-14 / 25-12)

PRELIMINARY ROUND STANDINGS after 1 played match System: 1. CHINA is automaticaly qualified as final 6 Host. 2. TOP 5 TEAMS after the preliminary round qualify for the final round. 3. If China is among the top 5 teams , THE 6-th RANKED TEAM also qualifies. 4. The 12 CORE TEAMS can not be relegated. 4. The WEAKEST PLACED CHALLENGER team may be relegated from the competition if they lose the relegation playoff against the FIVB Challenger Cup (to be played at a later date) winner. Tie-Break Criteria: 1.Matches Won/Lost Ratio (MW/ML) 2. Points Achieved (3 PTS = 3:0 or 3:1 win ; 2 PTS = 3:2 win ; 1PTS = 2:3 defeat ; 0PTS = 0:3 or 1:3 defeat) 3. Set Ratio. Nation MW ML PTS SET 1. QUALIFIED 1 0 3 3:0 2. 1 0 3 3:0 3. 1 0 3 3:0 4. CHALLENGER 1 0 3 3:0 5. 1 0 3 3:0 6. 1 0 3 3:1 7. 1 0 3 3:1 8. 1 0 3 3:1 9. 0 1 0 1:3 10. CHALLENGER 0 1 0 1:3 11. CHALLENGER 0 1 0 1:3 12. 0 1 0 0:3 13 0 1 0 0:3 14 0 1 0 0:3 15 0 1 0 0:3 16 CHALLENGER 0 1 0 0:3