China move pays off for USA's Harmotto
Source: Agencies |
August 3, 2012, Friday
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Print Edition
Print Edition
Fresh out of college, Christa Harmotto made the bold decision to continue her volleyball education halfway around the world in China and three years later it is paying handsome dividends.
On Wednesday, the 25-year-old middle blocker was part of the United States team that produced a powerful performance to beat China 3-0 and seal a quarterfinal spot at the Olympics.
Harmotto's position on court brought her face to face with the full fury of the opposition spiker but more often than not she appeared to second guess the Chinese attack during an electrifying contest at the cavernous Earls Court.
It was no accident, the Penn State graduate said, explaining how she had learned a new style of volleyball while playing professionally in the city of Guangzhou in 2009.
"It was a different culture and a different style of game," Harmotto said.
"They play very fast so it was important for me in my block (and to help) the growth of the game and for me to see some different offenses before I joined the national team.
"I was under a great coach and surrounded by great players who demanded the best out of you. We were able to make plays that I could learn from and pick up on."
She was in good company as the Guangzhou team at the time contained several members of the Chinese women's team that won the Olympic gold medal in Athens in 2004.
"Every time you step on the floor against China they definitely exploit some things that as far as our defence we are not used to, they have a fast offence, they hit off one foot, the setter does a great job disguising her sets," she said.
On Wednesday, the 25-year-old middle blocker was part of the United States team that produced a powerful performance to beat China 3-0 and seal a quarterfinal spot at the Olympics.
Harmotto's position on court brought her face to face with the full fury of the opposition spiker but more often than not she appeared to second guess the Chinese attack during an electrifying contest at the cavernous Earls Court.
It was no accident, the Penn State graduate said, explaining how she had learned a new style of volleyball while playing professionally in the city of Guangzhou in 2009.
"It was a different culture and a different style of game," Harmotto said.
"They play very fast so it was important for me in my block (and to help) the growth of the game and for me to see some different offenses before I joined the national team.
"I was under a great coach and surrounded by great players who demanded the best out of you. We were able to make plays that I could learn from and pick up on."
She was in good company as the Guangzhou team at the time contained several members of the Chinese women's team that won the Olympic gold medal in Athens in 2004.
"Every time you step on the floor against China they definitely exploit some things that as far as our defence we are not used to, they have a fast offence, they hit off one foot, the setter does a great job disguising her sets," she said.
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