Brazil’s Felipe Roque. MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—Brazil, the No.4-ranked team in the world, showed up in expected form against China in the Volleyball Nations League, 25-19, 25-17, 25-17, at Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay on Saturday.
Despite feeling “anxious” to start the game, the Brazilians turned to Felipe Roque who delivered with a game-high 17 points.
“I [felt] different starting and entering the game. I was a little bit nervous and anxious in the beginning of the game but I’m glad I got loose and helped the team,” said Roque.
“I’m happy with my performance.”
Roque was a huge factor in Brazil’s momentous second set where the team really pulled away from lowly China, which is ranked at No. 22.
The Brazilians began the second frame with an 8-5 lead before Roque converted on a crosscourt kill, sparking a run that extended Brazil’s advantage to 20-13.
Brazil kept its momentum going en route to an 8-4 record for the second seed behind unbeaten Japan (10-0).
Otávio Henrique Rodrigues Pinto helped the victors’ cause with 11 points.
China, which dropped to a 2-9 record, relied on Bin Wang with 11 markers but to no avail.