Tianjin finishes runner-up at FIVB Women's Club World C'ship

HANGZHOU, China, Dec. 22 (Xinhua) -- China's Tianjin Bohai Bank lost 3-0 to Italy's Conegliano in the 2024 FIVB Volleyball Women's Club World Championship final on Sunday, marking the best performance by a Chinese team in the competition's history.

Tournament favorites Conegliano demonstrated superior strength by winning all its matches in the group stage and semifinals without dropping a set.

Prior to the final, Tianjin spiker Li Yingying said her side would approach the match with an aggressive mindset to challenge their opponents.

Tianjin led midway through the first set but failed to capitalize on their advantage, ultimately losing the set 25-21. The second set saw Tianjin struggle with receiving Conegliano's powerful jump serves, quickly falling at 25-15. Conegliano maintained superiority in the third set, sealing the overall victory with a 25-20 win.

"Last year, we were in the stands, and this year, being able to represent Chinese clubs in the final stage is very exciting, and we really enjoyed the game," said Tianjin middle blocker Wang Yuanyuan.

"Conegliano is currently one of the world's best teams. We were under pressure from our opponent, and our team's adaptability still needs to improve," Wang added. ■