China Women’s Volleyball Reflects on Defeat: Praising Opponents, Embracing Growth, and Striving for a Stronger Future

September 1 – Live Broadcast Report:
In the Women’s Volleyball World Championship Round of 16, China fell 1–3 to France, ending their journey in the tournament at the top 16 stage. After the match, team captain Gong Xiangyu and middle blocker Wang Yuanyuan shared their thoughts, acknowledging France’s outstanding performance—particularly their powerful serves—and highlighting the team’s determination to grow stronger in the future.

Gong Xiangyu, speaking as captain, praised the French squad:

“France had four players capable of delivering powerful jump serves, which created significant challenges for us. When our first attack was under pressure, their offense was not only fast in the middle but also strong on the wings, leaving us more on the defensive. Matches like this test our ability to adapt in the moment. While France played exceptionally well today, one match alone does not define everything.”

Meanwhile, Wang Yuanyuan, who led the team with a match-high 15 points, reflected on the tactical preparations:

“When we studied the footage, we noticed their jump serves had unique characteristics. We tried to prepare countermeasures, such as using four receivers. However, our blocking and defense were not effective enough, especially against their two outside hitters, which was an area where we fell short.”

For the younger players, the loss to a lower-ranked opponent was a bitter pill, and some could not hold back tears after the match. Gong Xiangyu, however, expressed pride in her team’s effort and optimism for the road ahead:

“Everyone gave their all on the court today. Although we lost, this match clearly showed that we have plenty of room to improve. I believe our team will only get better and better.”

With resilience, self-awareness, and a commitment to growth, the China Women’s Volleyball Team looks ahead—turning a tough loss into a stepping stone toward future success.