Russia's Ekaterina Kosianenko recorded eight aces against Argentina to set a new Olynpic record
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, August 6, 2016 – The first day of actions at the women’s volleyball tournament of Rio 2016 produced one for the books as Russian Ekaterina Kosianenko established a new record for aces in a single match at the Olympic Games.
By landing eight aces in the straight-set (25-13, 25-10, 25-16) victory over Argentina, Kosianenko shattered the previous mark of seven shared by Cubans Zoila Barros and Yanelis Santos, who both did it in five sets against China in Athens 2004 and Beijing 2008, respectively.
Kosianenko started her exploits with four aces in the first set, added one more in the second, and capped the night with three more in the final set.
Meanwhile, Serbia's Brankica Mihajlovic came close to breaking the 100 kilometres per hour barrier when one of her serves in the straigh-set win over Italy was clocked at 99 kph. Others above the 90-mark on the opening day of the women's Olympic Tournament were Paola Egonu of Italy in the same match at 93 kph and USA's Foluke Akinradewo at 92 kph against Puerto Rico.