Thursday, 9 May 2024

Champions League Semis on Line for WNT Players

The U.S. Women’s National Team is making waves in the European Champions League quarterfinals, with nine players from four teams competing for spots in the semifinals. Let’s take a closer look at their performances and what lies ahead for these talented athletes.

National Team Spring Training Block

The U.S. Women’s National Team has invited 17 players to participate in a spring training block, taking place from March 16 to March 23 in Anaheim, California. During this training, all 17 athletes will be evaluated for additional opportunities to join the full U.S. Women’s National Team, including the Pan American Games and Pan American Cup.

Akinradewo with Hisamitsu Springs in Japan

Middle blocker Foluke Akinradewo is back with Hisamitsu Springs in the Japanese V-League for the winter season. Hisamitsu Springs recently secured a victory against Ageo Medics, with Akinradewo leading the charge with 24 points. The team is currently undefeated in the round-robin playoff and will face NEC Red Rockets on March 24.

Larson and Gibbemeyer with Eczacibasi in Turkish League

Outside hitter Jordan Larson and middle blocker Lauren Gibbemeyer are competing with Eczacibasi in the Turkish League. In the European Champions League, Eczacibasi emerged victorious against Italy’s Imoco Volley Conegliano in the quarterfinals. Larson’s exceptional performance, including eight kills and strong reception skills, contributed to the team’s success. In the Turkish League, Eczacibasi is gearing up to face Kameroglu Beylikduzu in the quarterfinals.

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Robinson with VakifBank in Turkish League

Outside hitter Kelsey Robinson is making her mark with VakifBank in the Turkish League. Despite a close loss to Dinamo Moscow in the European Champions League quarterfinals, Robinson showcased her skills with 12 kills and a great reception percentage. In the Turkish League, VakifBank secured a win against Nilufer and is preparing for the next match against the same opponent on March 28.

Drews and Lee with Beylikduzu in Turkish League

Opposite hitter Annie Drews and Simone Lee, alongside setter Kelly Hunter, are representing Kameroglu Beylikduzu Voleybol Ihtisas in the Turkish League. The team will face top-seeded Eczacibasi in the quarterfinals on March 28 and March 30.

Hill and Lowe with Conegliano in Italian League

Outside hitter Kim Hill and opposite hitter Karsta Lowe are showing their skills with Imoco Volley Conegliano in the Italian Serie A1. Despite a loss to Eczacibasi in the European Champions League quarterfinals, Conegliano is determined to secure a win in the series finale on March 19. In the Italian League, Conegliano claimed the regular season title with a strong victory against Bosca San Bernardo Cuneo.

Bartsch-Hackley and Carlini with Novara in Italian League

Outside hitter Michelle Bartsch-Hackley and setter Lauren Carlini are making waves with Igor Gorgonzola Novara in the Italian Serie A1. Novara started the European Champions League quarterfinals with a win against Allianz MTV Stuttgart, thanks to Bartsch-Hackley’s impressive performance. In the Italian League, Novara bounced back from an upset loss by sweeping Unet E-Work Busto Arsizio.

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Adams and Hancock with Team Monza in Italian League

Middle blocker Rachael Adams and setter Micha Hancock are shining with Saugella Team Monza in the Italian Serie A1. Team Monza showcased their resilience with a come-from-behind victory against Lardini Filottrano. Adams and Hancock played key roles in the team’s success, contributing valuable points and skillful setting. Team Monza currently sits in fourth place and is getting ready for the CEV Challenge Cup championship final against Aydin BBSK.

Courtney and Hannah Tapp with Bergamo in Italian League

Libero/outside hitter Megan Courtney and Hannah Tapp are making their mark with Zanetti Bergamo in the Italian Serie A1. Bergamo is preparing for a match against Savino Del Bene Scandicci as they aim to climb higher in the standings.

Washington with Brescia in Italian League

Middle blocker Haleigh Washington is showcasing her skills with Banca Valsabbina Millenium Brescia in the Italian Serie A1. Brescia recently secured a victory against Reale Mutua Fenera Chieri and is ready to face Imoco Volley Conegliano in their upcoming match.

Whitney with Filottrano in Italian League

Opposite hitter Aiyana Whitney is making her presence felt with Lardini Filottrano in the Italian Serie A1. Despite a loss to Saugella Team Monza, Whitney’s exceptional performance contributed significantly to the team’s efforts.

Lloyd with Praia Clube in Brazilian Superliga

Setter Carli Lloyd is proving her worth with Praia Clube in the Brazilian Superliga. Praia Clube secured a victory against Hinode Barueri, with Lloyd leading the team’s offense.

Wilhite Parsons, Paige Tapp, Rivers, and McCage with MTV Stuttgart in German Bundesliga

Outside hitter Sarah Wilhite Parsons, middle blockers Molly McCage and Paige Tapp, opposite hitter Krystal Rivers, and setter Madi Bugg are making waves with Allianz MTV Stuttgart in the German Bundesliga. Despite a loss to Igor Gorgonzola Novara in the European Champions League, the team is determined to bounce back. In the Bundesliga, they recently experienced a challenging loss against SSC Palmberg Schwerin but made a strong comeback with a victory against VfB Suhl Lotto Thuringen.

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Benson with Dresdner in German Bundesliga

Libero Amanda Benson is demonstrating her skills with Dresdner SC in the German Bundesliga. Dresdner is preparing for their upcoming match against Straubing as they aim to finish the regular season strong.

Ogbogu with Chemik Police in Polish League

Middle blocker Chiaka Ogbogu is representing Chemik Police in the Polish League. Despite a loss to LKS Commercecon Lodz, Chemik Police has secured a spot in the semifinals as the top seed.

Trivia Answer

Justine Wong Orantes represented the USA at the 2011 FIVB Beach Youth World Championship, finishing ninth with partner Sara Hughes. Wong Orantes achieved a remarkable feat by earning a AAA CBVA rating at the age of 12, making her the youngest known player to accomplish this.