Antropova steps us and helps Italy move forward in Paris

Paris: FIVB World Ranking leaders Italy barely used star opposite Paola Egonu in their second match in the women’s volleyball tournament of the Paris 2024 Olympics on Thursday, but that wasn’t a problem as Ekaterina Antropova stepped up and led the team to victory against the Netherlands, pushing the Italians to the quarterfinals.

Playing in front of a massive and engaged crowd at the South Paris Arena 1, the Italians overcame some first-set inconsistency to find their form and secure their first three-set victory in the Games, beating the Dutch 3-0 (29-27, 25-18, 25-19).

With the win, Italy have now six points and are guaranteed in the quarterfinals, as well as second-placed Türkiye, who have five – the teams will meet in the last round of pool play, on Sunday, at 9:00 local time (7:00 GMT). With one point, the Netherlands will need a 3-0 or 3-1 win over the Dominican Republic on Saturday, also at 9:00 local time (7:00 GMT), to finish third and move forward as one of the two best third-placed teams.

Used off the bench in two sets in the Italian four-set victory over the Dominican Republic in their opening match on Sunday, the 21-year-old Antropova was moved into the team’s starting lineup for the match against the Dutch and delivered a spectacular 33-point performance.

Besides contributing to Italy’s point-scoring, Myriam Sylla also played an important role on serve-receive

Besides contributing to Italy’s point-scoring, Myriam Sylla also played an important role in serve-receive

Outside hitters Myriam Sylla and Gaia Giovannini came next for the Italians with 11 and seven points, respectively.

On the Dutch side, captain Nika Dalderoop (13), opposite Celeste Plak (ten), middle blocker Indy Baijens (ten) and outside hitter Jolien Knollema (eight) split the scoring load almost evenly.