VNL: China dominates Belgium behind Gong Xiangyu’s 19 points

MANILA, Philippines — Gong Xiangyu poured 19 points as China took down Belgium, 25-19, 25-22, 25-14, to kick off its Volleyball Nations League (VNL) Week 2 campaign on a rousing note on Wednesday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Gong unloaded 10 of her 19 points in the second set, where they denied the gallant fight of Belgium en route to a quick victory in one hour and 15 minutes When Belgium tied the second set 22-all, Jin Ye brought back the lead to the Chinese before Gong drilled back-to-back hits to take the two-set advantage. The 25-year-old opposite spiker, a 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympic gold medalist, nailed 16-of-23 in spiking and had three blocks as China bounced back from a five-set loss to Thailand in Ankara, Turkey in Week 1. Li Yingying delivered nine points, while Jin and Wang Yuanyuan added eight markers apiece. China rose to second place with a 4-1 record with 13 points, a marker ahead of defending champion USA. Belgium skipper Celine Van Gestel and Pauline Martin led their team with 11 points each only to absorb their fourth loss in five games. Belgium gave up 18 errors and had no blocks as China nailed 10 kill blocks and only committed nine miscues.