Women's VNL: Day 3 sees another American defeat and Egonu returns

The third day of the Women's Nations League (VNL) on Friday (6/6) saw an exciting comeback by the Czech Republic and the return of Paola Egonu to Olympic champion Italy, who ended the day leading the competition. The Brazilian team took advantage of the break to rest and train for the weekend's commitments.

Turkey inflicted Thailand's third defeat, beating the Asians 3-0 in Beijing, and remained in the fight for the top spots. With a focus on serving and blocking, the Turkish team dominated the match: 14 blocks to their opponents' four, as well as 8-3 in aces. Opposite Alexia Carutasu was the top scorer with 19 points.

France beat Belgium 3-1 and scored their first three points in the VNL. The highlight of the game, once again, was opposite Iman Ndiaye, who scored 30 points.

Two more matches took place on the courts in Ottawa and Rio de Janeiro. In one of the matches, the Dominican Republic beat the Netherlands 3 sets to 2, with 26 points from Brayelin Martinez. In Group 2, Italy imposed its rhythm with authority against South Korea and won 3 sets to 0 , in a match held in the capital of Rio de Janeiro. Egonu, who had been spared from the triumph over the Czechs after a drop in pressure, stole the show.

At the end of the day, Japan beat Serbia 3-0 in Ottawa. But the best game of the day only ended around midnight. The Czech Republic, with great determination, came back from 0-2 down to 3-2 against the United States at the Maracanãzinho, with a 27-25 tie-break. Monika Brancuska, with 23 points, Michaela Mlejnkova, with 22, and Magdalena Bukovska, with 21, were the standouts.

RESULTS

6/6 - Friday

Türkiye 3-0 Thailand (25-23, 25-14, 25-22)

Top scorer: Alexia Carutasu (TUR) - 19 points

France 3-1 Belgium (25-22, 13-25, 25-13, 25-19)

Top scorer: Iman Ndiaye (FRA) - 30 points

Italy 3-0 Korea (13-25, 13-25 and 17-25)

Top scorer: Paola Egonu (ITA) - 16 points

Dominican Republic 3 x 2 Netherlands (22-25, 25-19, 28-26, 22-25 and 15-13)

Top scorer: Brayelin Martinez (DOM) - 26 points

Serbia 0 x 3 Japan (19-25, 21-25 and 13-25)

Top scorer: Yukiko Wada (JAP) - 17 points