Italy and Japan recorded straight-set wins over the Dominican Republic and France, respectively, before Brazil overcame the Netherlands with a 3-1 victory during yesterday’s matches at the Women’s Volleyball Nations League 2024 Macao.
World number two Brazil squared off against the Netherlands in the highlight match. The favourites started strongly to take the first set 25-17, but the Netherlands came back impressively and took the second set 25-20 to level the match. A tactical exchange ensued in the third set, with Brazil coming out on top 25-20 to retake the lead. It was a see-saw battle early in the fourth set until Thaísa Menezes took control with powerful attacks, finishing the set off at 25-18 to take victory.
Meanwhile Italy and the Dominican Republic traded points in the beginning of their match before Italy upped the pressure to win the opening set 25-12 and build on the momentum to take the second set 25-19, with Paola Egonu scoring eight points. The Dominican Republic was unable to mount a convincing comeback in set three and the Italians closed out the set 25-21 to win the match.
[See more: China beats Netherlands in Women’s Volleyball preliminaries at Macao’s Galaxy Arena]
Japan bounced back against France after narrowly losing to Brazil in the opening match. The Japanese made a quick start with captain Sarina Koga leading the way with nine points, taking the first set 25-14. In the second set, outside hitter Mayu Ishikawa and middle blocker Ayaka Araki carried the scoring load and helped their team build a two-set lead. Japan continued the streak in the third set, running away to win 25-15 to finish off the match.
The tournament continues today with France meeting Thailand, the Netherlands facing off against the Dominican Republic, and China clashing with Japan.
Limited tickets are still available via MacauTicket.com and are priced between 180 and 1,380 patacas.
