Italy Game One: Australia vs. Riza Bologna (1/3/09)
Set One: #5 L. Skipper (OH), #7 H. Shorter (OPP), #1 T. Ryan (S), #2 N. Bishop (OH), #3 B. Carey (M), #4 L. Cory (M), #6 K. Evans (L)
Australia begins the set with a slow start, finding it hard to terminate the ball against the strong Italian defense. With a time out called by Jenny Becker, Australia finally get their rhythm with a run of points. Both teams then start to struggle to side out, leading to long rallies keeping the crowd on the edge of their seats. Riza Bologna quickly picked up their game, responding with a very structured offense, winning them a run of points. Australia continued to chase the Italians, but they rose to the challenge winning the set 25 to 18.
Set Two: #12 C. Martin (S), #8 E. Greenwood (OH), #7 H. Shorter (OPP), #9 E. Simson (OH), #10 J. Gordon (M), #11 L. Uptis (M), #6 K. Evans (L)
Set two begins with both teams playing point for point, Australia fighting hard to earn their advantage on the scoreboard. Despite Australia’s strong blocking, Riza Bologna still manages to put the ball away. Unfortunately, forced errors left the Australian side down, leaving Riza Bologna to win 25 to 13.
Set Three: #5 L. Skipper (OH), #7 H. Shorter (OPP), #1 T. Ryan (S), #2 N. Bishop (OH), #3 B. Carey (M), #4 L. Cory (M), #6 K. Evans (L)
The momentum in the end of the second set carried through to the start of the third, with Riza Bologna dominating from the beginning. Australia’s blocking continues to strive, winning a number of consecutive points. Strong serving by the Australians puts pressure on the Italian attack, but the Australians couldn’t find the rhythm to win the set. Riza Bologna wins 25 to 14.

Stat Summary: Australia’s blocking proved to be the strength of the match, with Captain B. Carey leading the stats with two stuff and nine control blocks. Passing improved throughout the game by L. Skipper, N. Bishop, E. Greenwood, and K. Evans, but it was the consistent serving of H. Shorter and L. Cory that kept Australia alive.

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