The Australian men's volleyball team have lost 3-1 to China, ending the side's four-game winning streak.
Volleyroos coach Mark Lebedew took the opportunity to rest several key players, including captain Paul Carroll and the ultra-consistent Nathan Roberts, but the young team started strongly taking the opening set 25-17.
The momentum shifted shortly after with China winning the next three 25-19 25-23 25-17 to avenge last weekend's 3-0 loss to Australia and to regain the Hancock Prospecting Cup.
"Today was disappointing," Lebedew said.
"We started really well but weren't able to maintain the level. The key moment was in the third set, when we had a really strong period but were not able to build enough of a lead to close the set."
Lincoln Williams top scored for Australia with 18 points, while Sam Walker finished with 13. Carroll, watching from the sidelines, said his team struggled to cope with the Chinese serve.
"China played hard today, they fought harder than last week, I think this is because they are playing at home," Carroll said.
"Our receiving was not good today, they hit many good serves. If you didn't play your best, you lost."
