Hanna Orthamann (12), Merle Weidt (11) and Esther Spoler (10) celebrate the German victory over Russia in five sets
Lima, Peru, August 15, 2015 – Germany edged Russia in a thrilling seesaw five-setter 3-2 (25-17, 20-25, 25-17, 14-25, 15-13) of the classification round for the 5-to-8 positions at the FIVB Volleyball Girls’ U18 World Championship on Saturday at Eduardo Dibos Coliseum of Lima.
Hanna Orthmann scored 25 points, including the decisive one, to lead the German side. Esther Spoler and Merle Weidt added 18 and 12, respectively, in the victory. Russia’s Angelina Emelina and Angelina Lazarenko finished with 20 and 13 points, respectively, in the losing effort.
Germany gave away 33 points via errors while scoring on 26 by Russia. The winners led in spikes 51-41 and in blocks 15-12.
Germany dominated the first set while leading 8-3 and 16-8 at the TTO. The saw Russia react with a six-point rally before closing at 25-17 with a block by Weidt.
In the second set it was Russia the team in control leading the score 8-3 and 16-11. Smirnova finished the actions with a missile shot.
Germany led 8-4 and 16-11 in the third set. At 23-17, one lightning shot by Orthmann followed by the ace from Spoler gave Germany the third set 25-17.
Russia arrived into the second TTO of the fourth set leading 16-11 and took it easily 25-14.
Germany won the fifth-set battle 15-13 with a soft spike by Orthmann off the Russian block.