Tijana Boskovic had five aces in Serbia's 3-0 win over Russia to make it to the Rio 2016 semifinals
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, August 16, 2016 – Serbia served 12 aces in their straight-set (25-9, 25-22, 25-21) win over Russia in the Rio 2016 Olympic Games women’s volleyball quarterfinals at Maracanazinho on Tuesday.
The Serbians will make their first ever semifinals appearance after achieving joint-fifth place finish at Beijing 2008.
Serbian left-handed opposite Tijana Boskovic finished with a total of 20 points, including five aces. Her team-mates Jovana Stevanovic and Milena Rasic had three aces each. Tatiana Kosheleva had 17 points for Russia.
Serbia built an early lead against Russia 9-2, with Boskovic leading them on the attack. Tatiana Kosheleva came to rescue of the Russian team with three straight kills to cut down the Serbian lead 10-5, but Serbia had another 8-1 run, as Boskovic served hard on the Russian defence. Serbia topped their win in the first set with a block on Kosheleva 25-9.
Serbia continued with their service exploits to gain a 9-5 edge, but Kosheleva helped her team trail closely. Kosheleva challenged the Serbian block and succeeded as she got Russia to within just two markers 24-22. However, Mihajlovic ensured the set victory with a powerful spike 25-22.
Mihajlovic’s hands started to get hot as she led the Serbian surge 6-3. The Russian blockers managed to contain the Serbian hitters, while Kosheleva worked on their offence. Kosheleva delivered the equaliser at 11-all, then Russia led for the first time in the match as two Serbian attacks went out 13-11. Serbia snatched the lead, until Boskovic delivered their 12th ace in the match for match point. The Russian service error gave away set and match to Serbia 25-21.
Russia’s score of 25-9 in the first set is
their lowest score in the Olympic Games. Russia’s previous lowest score was
25-14, which happened twice in their straight-set (25-14, 25-14, 25-16) loss to
Brazil at Beijing 2008.
Quick links - Women's Quarterfinals - Tuesday, August 16: