Erickson powered the United States to a decisive 3-0 (25-21, 25-23, 25-15) victory over Italy on Tuesday at North Paris Arena, advancing to the semifinals of the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games women’s sitting volleyball tournament.
Erickson was a force to be reckoned with, racking up a match-high 19 points through a combination of 15 powerful attacks, three blocks, and an ace. Webster’s solid defensive effort added 10 points, supporting Erickson’s offensive dominance. Despite valiant efforts from Italy’s Francesca Bosio, who scored 14 points, and Cirelli’s 12 points, the Italians were unable to match USA’s intensity.
In the first set, the teams were neck and neck early on, trading points in a tightly contested battle. USA began to pull ahead with Erickson’s relentless attacks and Webster’s strong presence at the net, edging out to a 14-11 lead. Italy fought back, keeping the score close, but critical errors in the latter stages allowed USA to secure the set 25-21, capped by an Erickson spike.
The second set saw Italy take a 10-9 lead, but Erickson’s explosive energy turned the tide. Italy gained momentum and held a 20-17 lead, but USA mounted a late comeback to tie the score at 20-20, fending off the Italian challenge and keeping the lead until Nicole Nieves’ clutch attack put away the set 25-23 in their favour.
The third set was a showcase of dominance for the USA side, as Erickson continued to fire on all cylinders. USA surged to a 20-7 lead, with Italy struggling to keep up. The match concluded with a commanding 25-15 win, sealed by another powerful attack from Erickson.
Photo: WPV/Sinisa Kanizaj.
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