In a surprising turn of events, Shandong defeated defending champions Tianjin 3-1 in the China Women’s Volleyball Super League on Tuesday, handing Tianjin their fourth loss of the season. The thrilling match took place in north China’s Tianjin Municipality, showcasing the resilience and teamwork of the Shandong squad.
Tianjin started strong in the opening set, leading for most of the time. However, Shandong demonstrated unwavering determination, leveling the score at 19-19. The set culminated in a nail-biting finish, with Shandong edging out Tianjin 29-27 to take a 1-0 lead in the match.
The second set was closely contested, with both teams exchanging points. Tianjin’s Li Yingying launched a series of powerful attacks, helping her team tie the score at 16-16. Despite her efforts, Tianjin faltered due to unforced errors, allowing Shandong to clinch the set 28-26 and extend their lead to 2-0.
Refusing to back down, Tianjin fought back in the third set, securing a 25-22 victory thanks to a dominant performance by Wang Yuanyuan. Energized, they began the fourth set with an early 8-4 lead. However, Shandong rallied with aggressive plays and cohesive teamwork, ultimately sealing the match with a 25-21 win in the fourth set.
Li Yingying was a standout performer, contributing an impressive 36 points for Tianjin. Despite her individual brilliance, Shandong’s defensive strategy successfully blocked nine of her spikes. The match highlighted Shandong’s superior teamwork and strategic play, overpowering Tianjin’s efforts and marking a significant upset in the league.
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Shandong upset Tianjin in China Women's Volleyball Super League
cgtn.com
