China, Thailand outmuscle Fiji women July 05, 2009
A gallant Fiji women's volleyball side has lost to Thailand, three straight sets to nil, at the final qualifying rounds for the 2010 Women’s World Championship.
Thailand proved too strong for the Fijians as they easily won 25-13, 25-15 and 25-15.
Fiji had earlier in the day lost to China in their opening game 3-0 (25-10, 25-12 and 25-13), Fiji’s first big thrashing in their campaign.
Fiji, the underdogs in the tournament, will face Uzbekistan later tonight.
“My girls were nervous, they knew they were playing against two top teams,” Fiji coach Varanisese Maraiwai said.
“It was a tough two games, the girls were disheartened that we did not win at least one set in both the two games but we’re confident and keeping our fingers crossed for the game against Uzbekistan tonight.”
Fiji has to beat Uzbekistan and await the result from the other matches to confirm if they are through to the 2010 Would Cup in Japan.
Fiji has survived two qualifying rounds, in New Zealand and Thailand, before the China tournament.