Jiangsu province's women's volleyball team etched its name in history Tuesday with a dramatic 3-1 victory over Shanghai, securing their first China Women’s Volleyball League championship in eight years. The decisive second-match triumph completed a 2-0 series sweep that showcased resilience and strategic brilliance.
After dominating Saturday's opener with a 3-0 away victory, Jiangsu faced early setbacks as Shanghai unleashed aggressive blocks to claim the first set 25-17. The turning point came in the second frame, where Jiangsu’s enhanced defensive coordination neutralized Shanghai’s middle attacks, sparking a crucial 6-0 run to level the match 25-21.
The championship pivoted on a knife-edge third set, locked at 22-22 until Jiangsu’s star trio – Wu Mengjie, Olympic medalist Gong Xiangyu, and Zhang Changning – delivered clutch plays to seal the set 25-22. Shanghai nearly forced a deciding fifth set when leading 22-16 in the fourth, only to collapse under Jiangsu’s relentless pressure as unforced errors mounted. A stunning 8-0 surge culminated in Wu’s crosscourt smash that ignited celebrations across Nanjing.
The victory underscores Jiangsu’s revival as a volleyball powerhouse, blending veteran leadership with emerging talent. Analysts highlight its significance for China’s domestic sports development ahead of key international competitions.
