MATCH INFO

  Ankara, Turkey, August 14, 2011- Egypt pulled off their first 2011 Girls’ Youth World Championship win over their neighbors Algeria 3-1 (25-19, 25-13, 20-25, 25-18) in the third and final day of the first round here at Baskent Hall in Ankara, Turkey on Sunday.

FIVB Volleyball Girls' Youth World Championship

 The victory improved Egypt win- loss record to 1-2 to finish the first round at the third position of Pool A and proceed to Pool G of the second round, while Algeria dropped to 0-3 at the bottom of the standings and play in Pool H of the second round.

 Egypt’s middle blockers Aya Elshamy and Captain Farida El Askalany played the greatest role of that victory not only scoring a tally of 33 points of their team total score but also with their prominent role in blocking the way against the Algerian attackers throughout the net positions. Aya Elshamy was also the match scorer with 19 points each, while Algeria’s Captain Celia Bourihane was her team scorer with 15.

 The match started with Algerian dominance on the court. Services of Louiza Bayou and several mistakes by Egypt led to Algerian leap forward 7-1. Before the first technical timeout Egypt could gain only two points, leaving Algeria with 8-1 lead at the break.   

 After the break spikes made by Rana Elgohary and Aya Elshamy helped to Egypt to reverse the situation and to start to catch up and with an ace from Elgohary they reach the draw 9-9. More tough fight started then, with constantly changing leader. Toward the STT Egypt could go ahead with 3 points, 16-13. Such Egyptian lead in count remained until the last minutes of the set, which ended with Egypt's victory 25-19.

The second set started with spike by Mai Mustafa, and continued with Egyptian pressure. At the first TTO the count was still not opened by Algeria, 8-0 lead by Egypt. After that Algeria mobilized own resources and started to gain points. However they could not catch up until the second break, which came with Egypt 16-7 ahead. Egyptian dominance on the court remained throughout the set, which Egypt decisively won, 25-13.

 In the beginning of the third set Algeria once again started to lead (8-2). After the break Egyptian team increased their efforts and almost caught up. Rallies on the court became longer but to the second technical timeout Egypt again managed to go ahead 16-14. After the break tense fight continued, both teams went close, so that to the end of this set they had draw 19-19. In this Algerian 8-0 run important role was played by spikes from Sarra Belhocine, 23-19. Increase in pressure and concentration on the play by Algeria led to their victory in third set, 25-20.

Egypt renewed their dominance oh the court in the fourth set. Egyptian captain Farida El Askalany's attacks and mistakes of Algeria made the start of the set easier for African Champions (8-3). After the break despite Algeria's efforts, Egypt continued to keep advantage (16-10).  During the following tight rallies the gap in the count was decreasing but Egypt could keep their lead and pulled through this set, 25-18 match the match 3-1.