Thomas Edgar scored 22 markers in their 3-1 win over Venezuela at the Men's World Olympic Qualification Tournament in Tokyo
Tokyo, Japan, May 29, 2016 – Australia came up with a 3-1 (19-25, 25-20, 25-10, 25-19) win over Venezuela to offset their first day loss at the Men’s World Olympic Qualification Tournament at Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium on Sunday.
Australian star Thomas Edgar delivered 22 points, including 19 spikes, one block and two aces, while Venezuela’s Kervin Martin Pinerua scored 19 points on a losing effort. Australia played excellent defence at the net with a total of 11 stuff blocks.
Venezuela and Australia had split victories in the first two sets. In the first set, Venezuela had a good headstart as their hitters converted on their attempts but Australian star Thomas Edgar levelled the score at 13-all. Venezuela pulled off a three-point run to lead 18-15 and continued to punish the Australian defence with their quick plays. Venezuela likewise delivered on the defensive end and a block placed them ahead at 23-17. A service error from Australia and an attack by Quijada wrapped up the opening set 25-18. Australia played actively in the second period and mounted an 11-5 lead but lost their momentum as Venezuela inched in at 14-12. Pinerua tried to make some last minute run but Edgar sharply responded to bring his side back 25-20.
Australia commanded the third set with a 25-10 win. The Australian blockers towered over their Venezuelan counterparts. Venezuela was also doing well on the defensive end as they committed costly errors that permitted Australia to mount a big advantage. Venezuela started the fourth set with a 5-3 lead but Australia found their rhythm at 12-9 and started another successful 6-2 run that stretched the lead to 18-11. Venezuela tried to bounce back but not enough to post an upset as Australia rallied to a 25-19 victory.