South China’s Hong Kong SAR (Special Administrative Region) set the stage for a heart-stopping FIVB Women’s Nations League clash as the Chinese side edged past Bulgaria 3-2 in front of an electric crowd. China opened strong in set one, capitalizing on Bulgaria’s early errors to claim a 25-21 win behind crisp serves and tenacious defense.
Set two saw momentum swing the other way. Unforced errors crept into China’s game, and after falling behind 7-1, the deficit grew to 11-2. Despite a late rally, Bulgaria closed it out 25-22 to level the match.
China regrouped in the third, racing to a 9-6 lead and extending it to 18-8 en route to a comfortable 25-15 set victory. In set four, China held two match points at 24-22, but Bulgaria seized on mistakes to storm back and take the set 26-24, forcing a decider.
The final set was a see-saw battle. Bulgaria jumped to a 5-2 lead before Wu Mengjie ripped off a series of momentum-changing spikes to tie at 7-7 and again at 12-12. Wu then smashed home three straight points—after saving a match point—to clinch a 16-14 decider. Her match-high 32 points powered China to a second straight win in this Hong Kong leg. Up next: a classic showdown with Japan this Saturday.
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China outlast Bulgaria in five sets in FIVB Women's Nations League
cgtn.com
