Press release

Trujillo, Peru, July 28, 2011—The second round of the FIVB Volleyball Women’s Junior World Championship in Peru 2011 officially ended in Gran Chimu Hall when Belgium made a spirited comeback to defeat Slovakia 3-2 (17-25, 11-25, 25-18, 25-11, 15-12) in a Pool F matchup. 

With two points in the second round, Belgium finished in third place in Pool F. Slovakia finished in fourth place with one point in the second round. 

Belgium’s Lise Van Hecke, the leading scorer in the tournament, had 30 points. Slovakia’s Simona Kosova, the best spiker in the tournament, had 13 points, including nine spikes. Tatiana Crkonova led Slovakia with 23 points.

Live scoring, results, news and photos on FIVB Volleyball Women's Junior World Championship

Slovakia led the entire first set, due to a dominating performance by Tatiana Crkonova, who had seven points. Slovakia benefited from eight opponent errors, compared to five for Belgium. Unlike previous matches, Belgium had a much more balanced scoring attack, with Lise Van Hecke not scoring until the sixth point.

Slovakia played well early in the second set, going into the first technical timeout with an (8-4) lead, and a (16-8) lead by the second technical timeout. Libero Lucia Nikmonova had several quality receptions for Slovakia. Through the first two sets, four players had more than for four points for Slovakia, while Belgium did not have any. Surprisingly, Lise Van Hecke did not record a point in the second set for Belgium.

Behind Lise Van Hecke’s powerful serves, Belgium scored the first four points of the third set, and eight of the first ten points. Lise Van Hecke scored eight points in the third set after only scoring four in the first two sets combined. Linde Hervent had three blocks for Belgium in the third set.

After Belgium scored the first two points of the fourth set, Slovakia recorded the next four points. Slovakia held the lead for most of the set, but Belgium came charging back, tying the score at 19, and winning the next four points. Valerie El Houssine won the set with a powerful kill. 

Completing the improbable comeback, Belgium led the entire fifth set, behind several powerful spikes by Lise Van Hecke. Ilka Van De Vyver set the ball well for Belgium. Lise Van Hecke recorded the winning kill.

All teams will have an hour-and-a-half to train on July 29, and will return to competition on July 30.