Callao, Peru, August 13, 2015 – Russia added another victory defeating Japan in five sets (23-25, 25-19, 25-17, 20-25, 15-8) and advanced to quarterfinals of the FIVB Volleyball Girls’ U18 World Championship at Miguel Grau on Thursday .
The taller Russians outblocked the Japanese 23-7 and held a 51-49 margin in attacks. The winners made 31 unforced errors two more than Japan.
Angelina Lazarenko and Ksenia Smirnova were the top scorers for the winning team with 19 points each one. Ai Kurogo had 20 points for Japan and Miyu Nakagawa added 15 in the loss.
Russia had advantage during first set and leaded the score 22-19, however, with Miyu Kakagawa on service Japan changed the history of the set and close 25-23.
In the second set were Russian which had to reverse the score, after being disadvantaged 12-17, they closed the set 25-19, thanks to an outstanding performance by Ksenia Smirnova.
After a tight start in third set, Russia moved quickly on the scoreboard 22-15. The Japanese coach, Daichi Segusa, gave the opportunity to his setter and captain, Manami Mandai; who had not played the last few games; but it was not enough and Russia closed the set 25-17.
Supported by the local fans, Japan showed a quickly game and with many combinations and with an impressive attack of Ai Kurogo closed the four set 25-20.
Russia took advantage of the unforced errors of Japan and led 4-0 and 8-1, their players Angelina Lararenko and Ksenia Smirnova were unstoppable and The Europeans won the set by 15-8 and the match by 3-2.