Gold medalists team Jiangsu take selfies after the awarding ceremony for the women's volleyball at China's 15th National Games in Macao, south China, Nov. 19, 2025. (Xinhua/Cheong Kam Ka)
MACAO, Nov. 19 (Xinhua) -- Jiangsu claimed the women's volleyball title at China's 15th National Games with a 3-0 win over Shandong on Wednesday.
Featuring several international players, including Zhang Changning, Wu Mengjie, and Diao Linyu, three-time finalist Jiangsu entered the final round as one of the favorites, having lost only a single set across the previous eight matches.
Both teams were tied at 4-4 in the opening set before Jiangsu took the lead with a 6-1 run and closed out the set 25-15. The second set was even more one-sided. After a deadlock at 8-8, Jiangsu scored ten consecutive points to win it 25-13 and then took the third set 25-16.
"We performed quite well today, and we had made detailed plans for Shandong's blocking and defense," said Jiangsu head coach Shi Hairong.
Shandong head coach Wen Yuan said he was pleased with his charges' effort. "Although we lost the final, I believe we fought hard. Our overall strength just wasn't on par with Jiangsu, but we will keep pushing forward."
The bronze medal match saw Fujian edge past Shanghai 3-2. Fujian narrowly took the first two sets 29-27 and 28-26, but dipped in the third and fourth, allowing Shanghai to respond with scores of 25-15 and 25-17 to force a decider.
In a dramatic fifth set, Shanghai wasted three match points before Fujian won three points in a row to seal an 18-16 comeback victory.
"After winning the first two sets, our players became impatient, and their mindset wavered," Fujian head coach Shen Ze noted. "Fortunately, they held their nerve on several crucial points in the fifth set."
Shanghai head coach Wang Zhiteng admitted that his players felt too much pressure in the first two sets, which put them at a disadvantage.
"It's a pity that we couldn't take those key points in the fifth. We need to reflect on those matches, and I hope we can perform better at the next Games," he added. ■
Zhang Changning (front) of Jiangsu celebrates after the volleyball women's final between Jiangsu and Shandong at China's 15th National Games in Macao, south China, Nov. 19, 2025. (Xinhua/Chen Bin)
Silver medalists team Shandong react during the awarding ceremony for the women's volleyball at China's 15th National Games in Macao, south China, Nov. 19, 2025. (Xinhua/Cheong Kam Ka)
Wu Mengjie (2nd L) of Jiangsu celebrates after the volleyball women's final between Jiangsu and Shandong at China's 15th National Games in Macao, south China, Nov. 19, 2025. (Xinhua/Chen Bin)
Silver medalists, players of Shandong, react during the awarding ceremony for the women's volleyball at China's 15th National Games in Macao, south China, Nov. 19, 2025. (Xinhua/Chen Bin)
Bronze medalists, players of Fujian, react during the awarding ceremony for the women's volleyball at China's 15th National Games in Macao, south China, Nov. 19, 2025. (Xinhua/Chen Bin)
Players of Jiangsu celebrate after winning the volleyball women's final between Jiangsu and Shandong at China's 15th National Games in Macao, south China, Nov. 19, 2025. (Xinhua/Chen Bin)
Gold medalists team Jiangsu, silver medalists team Shandong, bronze medalists team of Fujian react during the awarding ceremony for the women's volleyball at China's 15th National Games in Macao, south China, Nov. 19, 2025. (Xinhua/Cheong Kam Ka)
Zhang Changning (top) of Jiangsu competes during the volleyball women's final between Jiangsu and Shandong at China's 15th National Games in Macao, south China, Nov. 19, 2025. (Xinhua/Cheong Kam Ka)
Zhang Changning (3rd L) of Jiangsu celebrates after the volleyball women's final between Jiangsu and Shandong at China's 15th National Games in Macao, south China, Nov. 19, 2025. (Xinhua/Cheong Kam Ka)
Gong Xiangyu (L) of Jiangsu competes during the volleyball women's final between Jiangsu and Shandong at China's 15th National Games in Macao, south China, Nov. 19, 2025. (Xinhua/Cheong Kam Ka)
Players of Jiangsu celebrate after winning the volleyball women's final between Jiangsu and Shandong at China's 15th National Games in Macao, south China, Nov. 19, 2025. (Xinhua/Cheong Kam Ka)