In the final match of the opening day at the 2024 WPV Women’s Super 6, the United States emerged victorious 3-1 (25-18, 24-26, 25-21, 25-22) in an exciting encounter against Brazil at Parc des Sports de Vandoeuvre on Tuesday.
Both sides showcased their determination, but the North American side overcame the South American team’s strong challenge by delivering a clutch performance.
The match began with both teams exchanging points tightly. However, USA gradually pulled away as they found their rhythm to build momentum and secure an 18-14 advantage. With organised play and precise execution of their offence, USA closed out the first set 25-18.
Brazil responded fiercely in the second set, leading to a tight exchange of points, with both teams displaying excellent composure and maintaining a close score throughout. As the set reached its climax, Brazil edged ahead at 24-23. However, USA saved the set point and tied the score at 24-all, forcing Brazil to call a timeout. The strategic pause allowed Brazil to regroup, and a powerful serve by Suellen Cristine Dellangelica Lima secured the set 26-24 for Brazil, levelling the match at 1-1.
The intensity carried over into the third set, with both teams locked in another tight battle. USA managed to gain an edge in the latter stages, holding a three-point lead at 22-19. Heather Erickson made crucial plays, scoring on a block to bring the USA to set point at 24-20, and then sealing the set with a strong attack to win 25-21.
The fourth set saw the momentum swing back and forth. Brazil initially took the lead, capitalising on errors from the USA and focusing on neutralising Katie Holloway’s influence at the net. Laina Rodrigues Batista’s quick hands on the attack gave Brazil a 15-12 advantage. USA responded with a run to close the gap to 16-15, but Brazil’s smart plays caused the USA to falter, pushing the score to 18-15.
USA rallied once more, scoring three consecutive points and winning a crucial challenge to take the lead. Suellen’s error gave USA a 20-18 advantage, but a net touch allowed Brazil to close the gap to 21-20. Nicky Nieves extended USA’s lead to 22-20 with a middle attack. Brazil fought back with a cross-court swing from Laiana Rodrigues Batista, making it 23-22. However, Katie Holloway’s crucial block brought the USA to match point at 24-22, and a strong kill clinched the set 25-22, and the match 3-1.
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