Italy in motion vs Serbia in the course of the VNL Week 2 at PhilSports Arena in Pasig. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — Defending champion Italy recovered from the brink of a meltdown and outlasted Serbia in five sets, 25-14, 25-15, 21-25, 21-25, 15-12, within the Volleyball Nations League (VNL) women’s week 2 on Thursday at Philsports Arena.
With the sport tied at 10 within the fifth set, Josephine Obossa took matters into her own hands, putting on the ending touches to maintain the Italians unbeaten within the Philippine leg of the VNL.
Obossa finished with 18 points from 15 kills and three blocks, saving Italy after blowing a two-set lead.
Italy’s Josephine Obossa in motion vs Serbia during a game within the VNL Week 2. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
Italy tied the USA at 5-1 ahead of their marquee duel on Saturday at 4 p.m.
Sarah Luisa Fahr also got here to the rescue for the Italians with 17 points off 10 kills and 7 blocks. Linda Nwakalor and Kate Antrapova added 13 and 12 points, respectively.
Serbia dropped to a 1-5 record after falling in need of one other five-set match, following their tough setback to Japan on Wednesday.
Nina Cajic powered the Serbians comeback with 19 points. Branka Tica contributed nine points, while Minja Osmajic and Masa Kirov added eight each.
Serbia takes on the winless Dominican Republic on Friday at 4 p.m.