Friday, 17 May 2024

U.S. Women Fall to China in VNL Preliminary Round Finale

The U.S. Women’s National Team faced a tough loss in their Volleyball Nations League (VNL) final preliminary round match against China. Despite a valiant effort, the U.S. team fell short, losing in a five-set battle (18-25, 25-19, 19-25, 25-20, 15-8) held in Suwon, Korea.

A Competitive Round for the U.S. Women’s Team

The U.S. team finished the preliminary round with an impressive 10-2 record, securing the second spot in the standings, right behind Poland. This sets the stage for the upcoming 2023 Women’s VNL Final Round, which will be held from July 12-16 at College Park Center in Arlington, Texas.

Standout Performances by U.S. Players

Several U.S. players delivered outstanding performances in the match. Outside hitter Kathryn Plummer led the team in scoring with 22 points, showcasing her prowess with 21 kills and one service ace. Outside hitter Kelsey (Robinson) Cook contributed 17 kills, while opposite Annie Drews added 15 kills and one block. Middle blocker Dana Rettke showcased her skills with 10 points, including two blocks and one ace.

A Solid Defensive Effort

On the defensive end, libero Justine Wong-Orantes led the U.S. team with 16 digs, with Plummer and Cook also recording double-digit digs (11 and 10, respectively). Setter Lauren Carlini played a crucial role in orchestrating the offense, leading the team to a .353 hitting percentage while contributing four kills of her own.

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The Match Recap

In the first set, the U.S. Women’s team took an early lead, stretching it to seven points at one stage. Despite a late surge from China, the U.S. managed to close out the set with four consecutive points. However, China quickly bounced back, taking control of the second set and leveling the match.

The U.S. team showcased their resilience in the third set, with back-to-back kills by Drews and Plummer extending their lead. They eventually closed out the set, taking a 2-1 lead. In the fourth set, China made a strong start, scoring the first six points. Although the U.S. team made a late comeback, China held on, sending the match to a fifth and deciding set. Unfortunately, China dominated the final set, securing the win.

Looking Ahead

Fans can now anticipate the upcoming final round of the VNL, which promises to be an exhilarating display of volleyball talent. To secure your tickets for the event, visit tickets.volleyballworld.com/arlington.

FAQs

Q: What were the top performances from the U.S. Women’s team in the match against China?
A: Kathryn Plummer led the team with 22 points, followed by Kelsey (Robinson) Cook with 17 kills and Annie Drews with 15 kills and one block.

Q: Where can I buy tickets for the upcoming VNL Final Round in Arlington, Texas?
A: You can purchase tickets for the final round at tickets.volleyballworld.com/arlington.

Summary

In a thrilling finale to the Volleyball Nations League preliminary round, the U.S. Women’s National Team faced off against China. Despite a hard-fought effort, the U.S. team ultimately fell to China in a five-set match. The U.S. team showcased their skills and determination throughout the match, with standout performances from players like Kathryn Plummer, Kelsey (Robinson) Cook, and Annie Drews.

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Looking ahead, fans can now anticipate the upcoming final round of the VNL, set to take place in Arlington, Texas. To secure your tickets for this exciting event, visit tickets.volleyballworld.com/arlington and join us in supporting the U.S. Women’s National Team as they strive for victory.