Aguascalientes, Mexico, July 13, 2019 - Japan and Italy are the only two teams that remain undefeated and are one step closer to qualify into the next round of the FIVB Women’s U20 World Championship in Aguascalientes, Mexico.
With straight set victories, Asian champion Japan stormed past Brazil in pool D and European champion Italy swept Cuba in pool A after the conclusion of day two of the preliminary round. Mexico and United States have the same winning record (1-1) in pool A, while Dominican Republic enjoyed their first win in pool B.
Pool A
The European champion Italy beat Cuba in straight sets 3-0 (25-20, 25-13, 25-17) to secure their qualification to the next round. Only two players scored in double-figures, Yassimina Kone on Italy’s side and Cuban Ailama Cese. Both tallied eleven points. Italy remains undefeated with a 2-0 record and Cuba has yet to find victory (0-2). Italy will resume pool-play against host Mexico, while Cuba clashes with NORCECA champion United States.
NORCECA champion United States picked up their first world championship win beating host Mexico 3-0 (25-17, 25-23, 25-21) in the closing match of day two of competition. United States held a huge 46-26 advantage in attacks and 7-3 in blocks, while Mexico scored nine service points against five from the winners. Jenna Wenaas of United States was the highest scorer of the game with 18 points all from direct attacks and Kendall Kipp contributed with 12 points. Melanie Parra led Mexico with 12 points followed by Uxue Guereca with 10 points. United States will conclude pool-play against NORCECA rival Cuba and Mexico against Italy.
Pool D
It was a surprising start for Rwanda taking Dominican Republic off guard while reaching 15-even in set one; the Dominican’s reaction finally kicked in prevailing on 35-24 advantage in attacks, 5-0 in blocks and 8-4 in serves. The Dominican Republic earned their first victory 3-0 (25-19, 25-15, 25-14) keeping their hopes of reaching the World Championship’s next round. Flormarie Heredia and Madeline Guillen led the Dominican’s offense over the net with 15 and 10 points accordingly, while Olive Nzamukosha led Rwanda with 8 points. On the last day of pool-play, Dominican Republic will face Japan and Rwanda plays against Brazil.
Asian champion Japan locked their second victory after a hard working victory 3-0 (26-24, 25-22, 25-19) over South American champion Brazil, to move closer into the next round. Japan’s speed took charge of the intense battle from start to finish. Despite Brazil’s sizeable 15-7 margin in blocks, Japan’s better margin (42-31) in attacks and fewer errors (17-22) were enough to remain unbeaten. Japan balanced their scoring sheet between Nishikawa Yuki with 14 points, followed by Hirayama Shion with 13 points and Ishikawa Mayu contributed with 10 points. Brazil’s Kisy Nascimento scored 13 points.
Preliminary round resumes Sunday with the following schedule at Aguascalientes (all local-time)
12:30 Cuba vs. United States
15:00 Brazil vs. Rwanda
17:30 Dominican Republic vs. Japan
20:00 Italy vs. Mexico