Slovenia won its first encounter of the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games, beating Japan 3-1 (25-19, 21-25, 25-19, 25-9) in the Women's Volleyball Sitting pool A match at CAU (China Agricultural University) Gymnasium on Monday.
In the first set, Slovenia dominated the court. The European team moved quickly to return the ball and was aided with Sasa Kotnik, Danica Gosnak and Anita Urnaut spiking from the front and back rows.
Attacks and good serves by Yukari Okahiri of Japan were not enough to make up for Japan's receive and defense errors. A shot by Urnaut closed the set 25-19.
The Slovenian women lost some of their focus in the second set; serve, attack and ball handling errors allowed Japan to lead throughout. Japan won 25-21 on a spike from Shiori Omura.
The third set started with Japan leading, but Slovenia rapidly fought back and closed the set 25-19. Japan scored mostly on their opponents' errors.
Slovenia easily led the fourth set, when Japan was powerless and unable to carry through their strategic plays. A loose shot by Noriko Kaneda of Japan closed the set and the match in favor of Slovenia.
(BOCOG September 8, 2008)