USA extend unbeaten streak with sweep over France in Nancy USA extend unbeaten streak with sweep over France in Nancy

In a commanding performance at the 2024 WPV Women’s Super 6, USA kept their unbeaten run as they swept France in straight sets (25-11, 25-7, 25-8) on Friday at the Parc des Sports de Vandoeuvre in Nancy.

From the very first serve, USA established dominance. Despite France’s commendable efforts to score in the opening set, the Americans held a solid lead of 16-8 midway through. MaKenzie Franklin’s deflection brought the score to 23-10. Although France showed some resistance towards the end, USA closed the set with a decisive 25-11 victory.

The second set saw the USA starting strong once again, quickly establishing an 8-2 lead. Nicole Nieves’ well-placed serves dismantled the French defence, and Severine Baillot’s block on Nieves’ serve briefly interrupted the USA momentum at 12-3. Raelene Elam’s stint from the service line further increased the pressure on France, with Tia Edwards capitalising to make it 15-4. Elam’s sharp serves extended the lead to 19-4. Despite a service error at 21-5 and a brief resistance from France, Edwards closed the set with an ace at 25-7, giving USA a 2-0 set lead.

In the third set, France showed early signs of a comeback, leading 4-2 with strong serves from Jenna Eleonore Tele Agbodjan Prince. However, an ace from Edwards and a series of successful plays brought USA ahead 10-5. Although Anais Rigal’s return and Karen Faimali Meger’s attack earned points for France at 10-6 and 18-7, respectively, USA’s relentless scoring, including a key ace from Emma Schieck pushed them to a 20-7 lead. Ultimately, USA closed the set and match at 25-8, with Elam sealing the victory with a decisive put back.