Chinese women's volleyball team wins first match under Lang Ping's charge

NINGBO, China - The Chinese women's volleyball team beat Puerto Rico in straight sets here on Friday in their first match since Lang Ping took over as the head coach.

The Chinese team, which was formed last week, proved a class above their opponents and won the match 25-12, 25-20, 25-14 in just one hour and 11 minutes at the Beilun International Volleyball Tournament.

Outside hitter Yin Na was China's top scorer with 12 points, and captain Hui Ruoqi added 11 points. Karina Ocasio led Puerto Rico in scoring with 12 points.

Puerto Rico was given a hard time in the first set as China showed a clear edge at the net. The Puerto Ricans put up more of a fight in the second set as they improved in floor defence. With captain Yarimar Rosa effective in attack, Puerto Rico briefly held a two-point lead at 13-11. But as the game progressed, China shut down Puerto Rico's hitters and finished the set 25-20.

The third set started as a close battle until the teams were locked at 4-4. But China then won 10 unanswered points to pull away soon. Trailing 24-13, Puerto Rico staved off a match point before Li Jing spiked to close out the set and the match for China.

"We made a lot of preparations for the game. As you know, our team started training together just a week ago. I had told my players to relax and reduce errors during the match. On the whole, I think, the Chinese team played at normal level," said Lang Ping, who was appointed to coach the Chinese national team last month.

China will face Thailand on Saturday, while Puerto Rico meet Cuba.