The U.S. Women’s Sitting Team is gearing up for an exciting challenge as they head to Anji, China for the World ParaVolley Intercontinental Cup. This tournament will see them face off against their long-time rival, China, who currently holds the top ranking in the world. The two teams have a competitive history, having played against each other 14 times since 2012. Although China has the advantage with a 10-4 overall record, the U.S. has been steadily improving and is confident in their ability to even the score.
In 2014, the U.S. Women’s Sitting Team nearly defeated China in a five-set match at the ParaVolley Sitting Volleyball World Championship. This close call has fueled their determination to continue growing and perform even better in the upcoming tournament. Outside hitter Katie Holloway expresses her confidence in the team’s progress, stating that they have been continuously improving while China maintains a consistently high level of play. Holloway emphasizes the importance of focusing on their own performance and minimizing errors to secure victory.
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The Intercontinental Cup, held every four years in the same year as the Paralympic Games, serves as a qualifying event for both men’s and women’s sitting teams from around the world. This year, 28 teams will participate, with 13 already securing their spots in the Paralympics, including both the U.S. Men’s and Women’s Sitting Teams. While these teams have already qualified, they are eager to achieve success at the Intercontinental Cup, as final standings will impact their seeding for the Paralympics. The Women’s Sitting Team currently sits at the second rank, and maintaining this position will require them to win at least a silver medal.
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On the other hand, the Men’s Sitting Team aims to climb up the ranks without the presence of outside hitter J. Dee Marinko, who will be absent due to personal obligations. Despite this setback, Team USA has been training diligently to ensure a balanced roster. Captain Eric Duda emphasizes the importance of getting back to the basics and eliminating errors to compete at the international level.
During their training block at the University of Central Oklahoma, the Men’s Sitting Team focused on ball control and smart attacking to enhance their performance. Meanwhile, the Women’s Sitting Team has been working on a new offense system that has raised their expectations. Head Coach Bill Hamiter expresses optimism, stating that they aim to medal at the Intercontinental Cup and evaluate their progress for the next five months.
Both teams are aware that they cannot afford to underestimate any country in their pursuit of a medal. The absence of Bosnia-Herzegovina, currently ranked first on the men’s side, creates intense competition for the remaining spots on the podium. The Intercontinental Cup serves as a valuable opportunity for the newer members of the teams to gain international experience and build confidence.
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The U.S. Women’s Sitting Team roster for the Intercontinental Cup includes Lora Webster (MB), Bethany Zummo (L), Alexis Shifflet (S), Michelle Schiffler (MB), Katie Holloway (OH), Heather Erickson (OH), Monique Burkland (MB), Kari Miller (OPP/DS), Nichole Millage (OH), Kaleo Kanahele (S), Nicky Nieves (OH), and Tia Edwards (OH/MB).
The U.S. Men’s Sitting Volleyball Team roster for the Intercontinental Cup consists of Travis Ricks (DS), Daniel Regan (MB), Sam Surowiec (OH), Ben Aman (OH), Eric Duda (OH), James Stuck (S), Hugo Storer (L), Roderick Green (MB), Charlie Swearingen (MB), John Kremer (L), Chris Seilkop (OH), and Josh Smith (MB/OPP).
Q: How many times have the U.S. Women’s Sitting Team and China faced each other?
A: The U.S. Women’s Sitting Team and China have faced each other 14 times in international competitions and friendly matches.
Q: What is the Intercontinental Cup?
A: The Intercontinental Cup is a Paralympic-qualifying event for men’s and women’s sitting teams from around the world. It is held every four years in the same year as the Paralympic Games.
Q: What is the Men’s Sitting Team’s ranking in the Paralympic standings?
A: The Men’s Sitting Team is currently ranked seventh in the Paralympic standings.
Q: What is the Women’s Sitting Team’s ranking in the Paralympic standings?
A: The Women’s Sitting Team is currently ranked second in the Paralympic standings.
Q: How many teams are participating in the Intercontinental Cup?
A: A total of 28 teams are participating in the Intercontinental Cup.
The U.S. Sitting Teams are eagerly preparing for the Intercontinental Cup in Anji, China. The Women’s Sitting Team aims to even the score against their long-time rival, China, by capitalizing on their year-round progress and minimizing errors. The tournament serves as a crucial qualifying event for the Paralympics, and both teams are hungry for success. The Men’s Sitting Team, in particular, is determined to overcome the absence of a key player and showcase their abilities. With intense competition from other countries, the U.S. teams understand the importance of not underestimating their opponents. The Intercontinental Cup is an opportunity for the teams to gain valuable international experience and build confidence.
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