VNL: Argentina beats China, halts four-match skid

Argentina’s Bruno Lima. –VOLLEYBALL WORLD

MANILA, Philippines–Argentina earned its first win in the Quezon City leg following a 25-22, 22-25, 25-22, 25-22 conquest of China in the Volleyball Nations League at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Bruno Lima came through with 25 points, including three blocks and two aces, and five digs while Agustin Loser and Ezequiel Palacios each had 13 points for the Argentinians, who tied their victims at 2-5.

The victory also ended Argentina’s four-match losing streak which dates back in Week 1 in Ottawa, Canada.

“We are happy for this. We were working all these days here in the Philippines and finally we got the victory. We have to enjoy this moment and focus on the next game,” said Palacios, who also had eight receptions and six digs.

Zhang Jingyin paced the Chinese with 18 points, eight receptions and five digs, while Wang Jingyi hammered 14 kills.

China finally played its first match in the country after losing via forfeiture to Tokyo Games gold medalist France due to health and safety protocols on Wednesday and a walkover win against Germany, which refused to show up in their match-up on Thursday.

Still, the Argentinians were challenged by the Chinese as proved by the close, identical set scores.

“China is a very strong opponent. They played very well. It was a very tight match. I think some moments we played better and that’s why we won. It was a very good match,” said Loser.