China’s women put up a spirited performance against defending Volleyball Nations League champions Italy at Kai Tak Arena on Sunday, but eventually succumbed to a 3-0 defeat as the Hong Kong leg of the tournament came to a close.
The result, which was China’s first defeat of the week, means they are sixth with one more week of competition before the finals in Poland.
China pushed the Paris Olympic champions all the way in the first two sets, losing 25-21, 32-30, but collapsed in the third, bowing out 11-25.
“All of the matches in Hong Kong told us a lot and I’m really excited about our upcoming performances,” Dong Yuhan, the outside hitter, said.
“Our team has a bright future, we will follow the fighting spirit and try to continue our good results.”
Italy’s Paola Ogechi Egonu (left) jumps at the net against China. Photo: Xinhua
Italy have now won all of their matches over the first two legs of the Nations League as they look to defend their 2024 crown.