The same opponent, the same ending-Shandong Youth Men’s Volleyball team staged a good turnaround

On the evening of September 24, it rained heavily in Xi’an and the temperature dropped to 20 degrees, but the gymnasium of Xi’an Middle School was enthusiastic, and the audience was enthusiastic. The men’s volleyball U20 final of the 14th National Games staged a heart-stirring match. The defending champion Shandong team was in desperation. With tenacious will, Shandong team narrowly defeated Zhejiang team 3-2 and won the championship.

Four years later, Shandong Youth Men’s Volleyball Team and Zhejiang Youth Men’s Volleyball Team met again in the National Games finals. Compared to four years ago, the competition between the two teams was more intense. 25 to 21, Zhejiang team quickly entered the state to win the first victory, 25 to 19 Shandong team pulled back a game. In the third game, the Zhejiang team seized the key points to a 28-26 win, a big score of 2-1. The Zhejiang team in the two rounds still held the initiative in the fourth round, leading 19-15 at one time, approaching victory.

At this time, the Shandong team stood on the edge of the cliff, but the dilemma inspired the players’ fighting spirit. They were more focused, the back row defense was tenacious and the offensive was sharper. They seized the opportunity of defensive counterattacks continuously and chased the score to 21. Flat than 21. “Although we were behind a lot in the fourth game, we have worked hard for so long and we can’t just give up like this. We have to work hard and fight again, and we will not give up until the last minute.” said Li Lei, the 2.01 meter tall captain. Driven by him, the Shandong team reversed 25 to 23 and won, dragging the game into a decisive round.

The start of the decisive game, Zhejiang team’s transfer was even better, Shandong team once again faced the situation of 0-3 behind, but the Shandong team did not give up, or chased by one point, and went back 7-6. Subsequently, the Shandong team played more and more smoothly, securing the victory 15 to 12.

At the moment of winning the championship, the coaches and players of the Shandong team shed tears of excitement. “The hard work and hard work of the past four years has not been in vain.” Shandong team coach Zhang Zhenyu said, “Thank you very much to the athletes. They are not easy. In the past four years, we often run the track and field and they have paid a lot.”

How did the Shandong team do it after falling into a passive situation twice and reversing twice? “It depends on the spirit.” Zhang Zhenyu said, “In our usual training, we are required to never give up until the last minute and fight every ball. Today this spirit has been fully reflected in the game.”

The Shandong team won the championship with 8 wins and 1 loss. A group of young players such as Li Lei and Xue Jinhao emerged through the National Games. They are the hope of Shandong men’s volleyball team in the future, as well as the hope of Chinese men’s volleyball team. (Reproduced from the 04 edition of China Sports Daily on September 25)