PARIS — The USA women will play Brazil on Wednesday in the Paris Olympics volleyball semfinals after they not only defeated Poland, but swept on Tuesday.
“We’re excited that yesterday was not our last practice,” USA coach Karch Kiraly said, “and today was not our last match.”
Eariier, Brazil crushed the Dominican Republic.
Türkiye, which opened the day with a victory over China in five, will play the winner of Tuesday’s late match between Italy and Serbia.
USA bounces Poland
After the way pool play went, USA coach Karch Kiraly cracked that when his team trailed in the third set he figured it would go to 17-15 in a fifth. But the USA was having none of it and came away with a 25-22, 25-14, 25-20 victory.
It was quite a statement for the Tokyo Olympics gold-medalists after grinding to a 2-1 finish in pool play.
“This is where you want to be as this tournament goes on,” USA middle Haleigh Washington said. “You shouldn’t be clicking too early, you want to peak at the right time. And I think we are on our way. There are things we can upgrade and clean up and you should strive to be better, so I’m excited to see how we continue to improve the rest of this tournament.”
The Americans dominated the first two sets against Poland and then, after falling behind 10-6 in the third, put on a defensive display that included six blocks from that point. The USA held advantages in kills (44-30) and aces (6-3), although Poland had 12 blocks to the USA’s 10.
Annie Drews once again led the USA in kills, this time with 12 and a block, although Avery Skinner also had 12 kills and 10 digs despite sitting most of the third set when veteran Jordan Larson came in and provided some tremendous all-around volleyball when her team really needed it.
“At this point any chance we get to wear this jersey again and compete is a privilege and and an honor and a bonus,” said Drews
Kathryn Plummer had eight kills, two blocks and two aces and Chiaka Ogbogu had four kills — including a paint-brush attempt that dropped to the floor to end the match — to go with two blocks and an ace. Haleigh Washington had three kills, two blocks and an ace.
Setter Jordyn Poulter had two blocks, two aces and nine digs.
Poland’s Martyna Lukasik had nine kills and three blocks and Agnieszka Korneluk had five kills, four blocks and two aces. Magdalena Stysiak had six kills and two blocks and Malwina Smarzek had six kills and a block.
“The…
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at Volleyballmag.com…