Peru clinch first medal at Youth Olympic Games thanks to girls' win over Japan

Singapore, Singapore, August 25, 2010 - Peru scored a 3-1 (22-25, 30-28, 25-11, 25-17) win over Japan on Wednesday at the Youth Olympic Games to claim the bronze medal as the competition draws to a close in Singapore.


The significantly taller Peru squad’s record improved to 3-1, while Japan settled for fourth place, and had their record fall to 1-3.

Peru led for much of the first set, but Japan came back and took their first lead at 17-16. Peru briefly regained the lead, but Japan held on behind several spikes from Saaya Karaki.

Peru celebrate their bronze winning match on Wednesday.

In the second set, Japan struggled to spike the ball past Peru’s Clarivett Yllescas and Brenda Daniela Uribe, who are both 1.83 meters. Japan overcame the size difference by playing solid, quick defense. The set was close forcing a tie break which Peru picked up at 30-28.


Peru jumped to their best start in the third set, leading 11-3. They dominated and won the set by 14 points.


Japan regained their composure and played much better in the fourth set, but Peru’s height advantage was enough to propel them to victory. Fittingly, Peru captain Clarivett Yllescas, who played extremely well the entire match, had the game-winning spike to clinch her countries first medal of the tournament.