Friday, 17 May 2024

National Teams Update: China’s Women’s Pro League in Full Swing

The 2020 season of China’s women’s pro league has kicked off, and players from the U.S. National Team are making their mark. Jordan Larson and Kelsey Robinson, both prominent team members, are actively participating in the league, representing their respective teams.

The Chinese season is relatively short, running from November 8th to December 19th. Due to the ongoing pandemic, foreign players had to undergo a mandatory quarantine period of approximately three weeks before joining their teams. In order to maintain a safe environment, the matches are being held in a bubble, similar to the NBA in the U.S.

The schedule is packed, with matches taking place every day. The first stage has already concluded, with Shanghai, led by Larson, finishing undefeated at 5-0 and topping Group B. Robinson’s team, Guangdong Evergrande, finished third in Group A with a record of 5-1. In the next phase, teams from the two groups will compete against each other.

On November 16th, Larson and Shanghai secured a hard-fought victory against Shandong, winning 3-2 (17-25, 25-17, 25-19, 15-25, 16-14). Larson displayed her exceptional skills, leading all scorers with 25 points, including 24 kills and one block.

On November 18th, Robinson and Guangdong Evergrande triumphed over Henan Silver Pigeon, winning 3-1 (23-25, 25-21, 28-26, 25-16). Robinson contributed significantly to the win, scoring 18 points through 15 kills and three aces.

Italy: Pandemic-Related Setbacks

In Italy, several teams have experienced disruptions to their schedules due to the ongoing pandemic. Despite these challenges, some standout performances have occurred.

Outside hitter T.J. DeFalco and Tonno Callipo Calabria Vibo Valentia achieved a significant victory over league-leading Cucine Lube Civitanova, winning 3-1 (25-23, 18-25, 25-20, 25-23). DeFalco’s remarkable performance resulted in 17 points, including 15 kills and two aces.

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Max Holt, playing as a middle blocker for Vero Volley Monza, played a crucial role in their triumph over Gas Sales Bluenergy Piacenza, winning 3-1 (25-22, 16-25, 28-26, 25-17) on November 14th. Holt scored six points, including five kills and one block. Piacenza’s outside hitter, Aaron Russell, led his team with 17 points through 16 kills and one ace.

Setter Kawika Shoji and Kioene Padova put up a strong fight against Allianz Milano on November 11th. Although they ultimately lost in five sets (25-16, 21-25, 25-15, 18-25, 15-11), Shoji’s contribution of three points, including two aces and one block, helped maintain a .382 hitting efficiency for his team.

For the women’s teams, outside hitter Kim Hill and the league-leading Imoco Volley Conegliano claimed a decisive victory over setter Micha Hancock, middle blocker Haleigh Washington, and second-placed Igor Gorgonzola Novara, securing a 3-0 win (25-18, 25-14, 25-16) on November 14th. Hill led the scoring with 13 points, including 12 kills and one ace, while Washington contributed five points through three kills and two blocks. Hancock showcased her skills by setting Novara to a .232 hitting efficiency.

Megan Courtney and Savino Del Bene Scandicci emerged victorious against Banca Valsabbina Millenium Brescia, winning 3-2 (25-13, 22-25, 25-18, 14-25, 15-13) on November 15th. Courtney played a significant role, scoring nine points through eight kills and one block.

Jordyn Poulter and Unet E-Work Busto Arsizio faced a tough challenge against Bosca S.Bernardo Cuneo on November 15th, ultimately falling 3-2 (25-23, 18-25, 26-24, 25-27, 15-10). Poulter contributed three points, including one kill and two blocks, while setting her team to a commendable .302 hitting efficiency.

Poland, Turkey, Japan, France, Germany, and Russia: Highlights and Victories

In Poland, setter Josh Tuaniga and Ślepsk Malow Suwałki secured a 3-1 victory against Asseco Resovia Rzeszów on November 17th. Tuaniga’s performance was noteworthy, scoring four points through three blocks and one kill while setting his team to an impressive .409 hitting efficiency.

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Libero Dustin Watten and GKS Katowice emerged victorious against Cerrad Enea Czarni Radom, winning 3-0 (25-16, 25-16, 25-21) on November 14th. Watten’s solid performance was highlighted by his impressive reception rate of 82% positive. Brenden Sander, an outside hitter for Czarni Radom, scored five points through five kills.

Turkey’s Vakifbank, featuring outside hitter Michelle Bartsch-Hackley, secured a 3-1 win against Aydin B.Sehir Bld. on November 18th. Bartsch-Hackley contributed ten points through seven kills, two aces, and one block.

In Japan, outside hitter Simone Lee and the Kurobe Aqua Fairies claimed victory over middle blocker Foluke Akinradewo Gunderson and Hisamitsu Springs in a thrilling 3-2 match on November 15th. Lee’s outstanding performance resulted in 29 points, including 25 kills, three aces, and one block. Gunderson also showcased her skills, finishing with 12 points through five kills, four aces, and three blocks.

Opposite Annie Drews and JT Marvelous emerged victorious against the Aqua Fairies on November 15th, winning 3-1 (17-25, 25-14, 25-20, 25-17). Drews displayed her exceptional skills, scoring 22 points through 21 kills and one block, while Lee led all scorers with 25 points through 24 kills and one block.

In France, middle blocker Taylor Averill and Cannes secured victory against Toulouse, winning 3-1 (25-19, 29-27, 23-25, 25-20). Averill’s stellar performance earned him 18 points, including 11 kills, five blocks, and two aces, and he was named the match MVP.

In Germany, opposite Ben Patch and outside hitter Cody Kessel led the Berlin Recycling Volleys to a 3-0 victory against the Helios Grizzlys Giesen on November 14th. Patch’s exceptional performance resulted in 17 points, including 14 kills, two aces, and one block.

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Setter Joe Worsley and VfB Friedrichshafen secured a 3-1 win against TSV Unterhaching on November 15th, with Worsley contributing one point through a block while helping set his team to a .381 hitting efficiency.

In Russia, libero Erik Shoji and Fakel Novy Urengoy faced a tough challenge against Zenit Kazan in the preliminaries of the Cup of Russia, ultimately falling 3-1 (25-19, 18-25, 25-17, 25-18) and not advancing to the semifinals.

FAQs

  1. What is the duration of China’s women’s pro league?

    • The season runs from November 8th to December 19th.
  2. How did U.S. National Team members perform in the league?

    • Jordan Larson and Shanghai finished undefeated at 5-0, leading Group B. Kelsey Robinson and Guangdong Evergrande finished third in Group A with a record of 5-1.
  3. What precautions are being taken in the Chinese league due to the pandemic?

    • Matches are being held in a bubble, similar to the NBA in the U.S., to ensure the safety of players and staff.
  4. Which teams faced disruptions in Italy due to the pandemic?

    • Several teams in Italy, such as Cucine Lube Civitanova and Tonno Callipo Calabria Vibo Valentia, have experienced missed matches.
  5. Who were the standout performers in Italy?

    • T.J. DeFalco played a significant role in Tonno Callipo Calabria Vibo Valentia’s victory against Cucine Lube Civitanova, scoring 17 points. Kim Hill showcased her skills for Imoco Volley Conegliano, leading all scorers with 13 points.

Summary

The 2020 season of China’s women’s pro league is well underway, with U.S. National Team members making a strong impact. Despite challenges caused by the pandemic, teams in various countries continue to compete passionately, showcasing their talents and dedication to the sport. Stay updated with the latest matches and results as the season unfolds. Join us for more thrilling volleyball action!