Japan vs. Serbia
As the bleachers filled up with excited spectators, the center of Earl’s Court Stadium in London, England had the privilege to host the women’s preliminary volleyball match. It was day one of the XXX Summer Olympics and the air was filled with anticipation. As the volleyballs rolled out, team Japan and team Serbia started to warm up their arms and stretch out. After introducing the teams and team players, Japan started the match with a strategic float serve, which eventually got them the first point. Fans of Japan were pleased with their plays due to the constant cheers and chants. Proud admirers waved flags and signs to show their support. Serbia, however, showed heart out on the court as well. During the first half of the game, blockers were able to defend outside and middle hits. Serbia’s setter also gave perfect sets to their hitters. The neck and neck game finally broke off when Japan started changing up their plays that outsmarted the blockers. Japan’s offense strategy started to take a toll on Serbia and Japan finally won with six more points, Serbia 19 and Japan 25. After switching sides, the teams were ready to begin their second game. Both teams need to play and win best out of five games per match. This time Serbia started off the game with a jump serve to Japan. Throughout the game, Serbia continued to work on their defense, not letting Japan get to them with their offense. Serbia’s libero (a back row defense player) successfully dug hits and covered the floor. It started paying off when Japan started calling more timeouts to strategize their game plan. However, it wasn’t enough, Japan took the second game with the score 25 to 21, Serbia. The third game started after the teams switched sides a second time. Serbia’s fans were up on their feet now, encouraging their players to win the next game. Another jump serve from Japan had started off the third game. Suspense was high since Serbia needed this game to still be in the game. Serbia, didn’t go down without a fight and both teams were neck and neck until the last point. Both teams were at 24. Japan served it in and Serbia was unable to retrieve it, giving Japan game point. Needing to win by two, Japan serves it again. The rally between the two teams kept spectators on their feet. The game finally ended with Japan’s outside hit bouncing off Serbia’s blockers and landing outside the court. Fans of Japan rose with loud cheers.
NIKKI SHERI 