Slovenia repels gutsy China for 7th win in VNL 2023

Slovenia scored its seventh win in the 2023 Men's Volleyball Nations League (VNL) after grinding out a 25-21, 25-20, 24-26, 25-23 victory against China on Thursday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Up two sets, Slovenia had the chance for a sweep with Ziga Stern unleashing three straight points to bring his team to the match point at 24-22. However, China was able to tie things up at 24-all before Jingyin Zhang's second try on the ball sent the game to the fourth set.

China, who was coming off a tight five-set loss to Japan last Tuesday, was in a comfortable position in the fourth, leading by as much as 16-11 before Slovenia staged a 5-0 run.

Klemen Cebulj's ace gave Slovenia the lead, 17-16, before the momentum momentarily shifted to China with Yuntai Yu powering a quick 5-2 run, 21-19. Yu's back row kill also gave China a 23-22 cushion, but Jan Kozamernik's quick attack and Cebulj's monster block on Zhang put Slovenia at match point.

A corner ace from Kozamernik then sealed it off for Slovenia, 25-23.

Cebulj starred with 21 points anchored on 18 attacks, two blocks, and ace while Stern and Kozamernik provided the lift with 18 and 13 markers apiece as Slovenia improved to 7-3.

China, meanwhile, slipped to 2-8.

Slovenia takes on Italy on Friday while China will have a one-day break before its clash with Brazil on Saturday.

—Bea Micaller/JKC, GMA Integrated News