VNL Week 2: Kate Antropova powers Italy past Czechia

Kate Antropova and Italy during a game vs Czechia in the Volleyball Nations League (VNL) women’s week 2 at Philsports Arena in Pasig City. –VOLLEYBALL WORLD PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Kate Antropova caught fire from the service line, nailing six aces to lead Italy’s 25-18, 25-21, 25-22 sweep of Czechia in the Volleyball Nations League (VNL) women’s week 2 on Wednesday at Philsports Arena in Pasig City.

The 6-foot-8 Antropova stood tall with 21 points, including 14 kills and a block, as defending champion Italy improved to 4-1, bouncing back from a five-set loss to Brazil last week.

The Italians built a 17-8 lead from Antropova’s ace, but Czechia fought back and cut it down to 21-20 after Helena Grozer’s hit. Sarah Luisa Fahr scored back-to-back kills, followed by Josephine Obossa’s attack to help them reach match point, 24-20. 

The Czechs saved two match points, but Antropova’s point sealed the match in an hour and 30 minutes.

Kate Antropova fires six aces in Italy’s 25-18, 25-21, 25-22 win over Czechia. #BePartofTheGame | @LanceAgcaoilINQ pic.twitter.com/yDJXaBuTQ3

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“We’re really happy to start a new week. We know that playing against Brazil was hard and we’re really happy with the result. It’s not fun losing but it’s a great match to learn from,” said Antropova.

“I think we showed a great start. Sometimes we had difficult moments in the game but we were able to save the team and I’m also happy with all the stuff that went great. We’re working.”

Fahr delivered 13 points. Stella Nervini had 12, while Obossa added nine points ahead of Italy’s next battle against Serbia on Thursday at 8 p.m.

Czechia slid to a 3-2 record, before facing United States, also on Thursday at 4 p.m.

Monika Brancuska powered the Czechs with 16 points, while Michaela Mlejnkova added 11.