Two More Losses for Australians at World Championships

The Australian team only has one more chance to win at the2002 Women's World Championshipsin Leipzig, Germany, after losses to Brazil and Thailand.

Brazil had the chance to cement a spot in the second round with a victoryover Australia on Sunday, September 1. And they did just that, playingwith great passion for a convincing 3-0 win against theAustralians.

With 3100 cheering fans in the stands, Brazil's offense was stronger than the Australian's and with both teams playing a similar brand of volleyball, the Brazilian attack gave them the first set, 25:19. Always behind in the second, the Australians managed to work their way back into set only to have Brazil pull away for a 25:17 win. The Brazilian coach put his "second six" on for the start of the third set and Australia found themselves in the lead for the first time in the match. Facing the prospect of a fourth set though, Brazil's number one setter came back on and they leveled with the Australians before taking the set 26:24. The final two round matches for the Australian's took on renewed significance if they were to have any chance of making the next round of competition.

In front of 2250 spectators in the Arena Leipzig, the Australian teammade far too many unforced errors against a well controlled Thailandteam on Monday, September 2. After a nervous start, Thailand grabbedan early lead and took the first set 25:18. The Australians came backin the second set, dominating at the net and despite a spirited comebackby Thailand held on to win 25:21. The errors returned to the Australianteam's play in the third and fourth sets though and Thailand were happywith their first win of the tournament, closing out the match25:17, 25:16. Thailand's head coach, Kiartipong Radchatagriengkai,said after the match, "It was a historical victory for Thailand,the first victory ever at a World Championship."

Australia's setter, Louise Bawden, was looking to the future after the match, saying that "we made too many errors. But tomorrow is a new day and we will play with fire and passion."

So, Australia won't be playing in the next round of competition but they have one more match against Poland left in the tournament.