VNL Week 2: Italy survives Serbia scare, stays unbeaten in Manila

Italy in action vs Serbia during the VNL Week 2 at PhilSports Arena in Pasig. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — Defending champion Italy recovered from the brink of a meltdown and outlasted Serbia in five sets, 25-14, 25-15, 21-25, 21-25, 15-12, in the Volleyball Nations League (VNL) women’s week 2 on Thursday at Philsports Arena.

With the game tied at 10 in the fifth set, Josephine Obossa took matters into her own hands, putting on the finishing touches to keep the Italians unbeaten in the Philippine leg of the VNL.

Obossa finished with 18 points from 15 kills and three blocks, saving Italy after blowing a two-set lead.

Italy’s Josephine Obossa in action vs Serbia during a game in the VNL Week 2. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

Italy tied the United States at 5-1 ahead of their marquee duel on Saturday at 4 p.m.

Sarah Luisa Fahr also came to the rescue for the Italians with 17 points off 10 kills and seven blocks. Linda Nwakalor and Kate Antrapova added 13 and 12 points, respectively.

Serbia dropped to a 1-5 record after falling short of another five-set match, following their tough setback to Japan on Wednesday.

Nina Cajic powered the Serbians comeback with 19 points. Branka Tica contributed nine points, while Minja Osmajic and Masa Kirov added eight each.

Serbia takes on the winless Dominican Republic on Friday at 4 p.m.