The U.S. Women’s National Team faced a disappointing defeat in their pursuit of the FIVB World Championship title. In a thrilling five-set match against the Netherlands, the American team couldn’t maintain their early lead and ultimately lost by a score of 30-32, 15-25, 25-22, 25-15, 15-9.
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Quick Sets
- Key Stat: Lonneke Sloetjes of the Netherlands played a pivotal role in her team’s comeback, scoring an impressive 38 points.
- Key Note: The U.S. needed a win to stay in the competition, and a 3-0 or 3-1 victory would have secured their spot in the semifinals.
- Pool H Standings: China (1-0, 2 points), Netherlands (1-0, 2 points), USA (0-2, 2 points)
- Cumulative 2018 World Championship Records: USA (7-4), Netherlands (9-1)
- World Rankings: No. 2 USA, No. 8 Netherlands
- 2018 Season Record: 33-8
- Up Next: The U.S. will face Japan in the 5th-6th place match on Oct. 19 at 6:20 a.m. ET.
The U.S. Women’s National Team suffered losses in both of their Third Round (Final Six) pool matches, each going the distance to five sets. After leading 2-1 against China in their previous match, the Americans couldn’t hold on and were defeated once again in a hard-fought battle against the Netherlands. Despite their best efforts, the U.S. will now compete for the 5th-6th place position against Japan on Oct. 19.
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The Netherlands, who entered the Third Round as the top seed from Pool E, started strong by taking a commanding 9-2 lead in the opening set. However, the resilient American team fought back to tie the set at 24-all, eventually winning the marathon set 32-30. The U.S. continued their momentum in the second set, dominating the Netherlands with a comfortable 25-15 victory. In the third set, the Netherlands staged a comeback of their own, breaking a 16-all tie to secure a 25-22 win. The Netherlands went on to claim the fourth set with a convincing score of 25-15, forcing a decisive fifth set. In the end, the Netherlands sealed their victory with a 15-9 win in the final set.
“It was a great battle. We fought hard to come back in the first set,” said U.S. Women’s National Team Head Coach Karch Kiraly. “Ultimately the result is very disappointing. They made some changes, and we wasted chances in the third set. You have to be good at converting those chances against a team like the Netherlands.”
Throughout the match, U.S. outside hitter Michelle Bartsch-Hackley showcased her skills, leading the team with 17 points from powerful kills. Karsta Lowe, who came off the bench, made a significant impact with 14 kills and a block for a total of 15 points. Middle blockers Rachael Adams and Foluke Akinradewo contributed with 13 and 12 points, respectively. Jordan Larson and Kim Hill also made valuable contributions, adding 11 and 2 kills, respectively.
In terms of defense, Kelsey Robinson’s exceptional performance as libero cannot be overlooked, contributing 17 digs and maintaining a positive reception rate of 43%. The team’s overall attacking efficiency was matched by the Netherlands, with both teams converting 39% of their attacks. However, the Netherlands proved slightly more effective with a hitting efficiency of .250 compared to the American team’s .241.
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The match against the Netherlands marks another chapter in the long-standing rivalry between the two teams. The U.S. has a rich history of success against the Netherlands, with a record of 35 wins and 11 losses since 1983. Notably, the American team emerged victorious in their previous eight encounters, including the bronze-medal match at the 2016 Olympic Games. The Netherlands’ last victory against the U.S. dates back to the 2009 FIVB World Grand Prix.
Despite the defeat, both teams showcased their exceptional skills throughout the match. Lonneke Sloetjes of the Netherlands proved to be an unstoppable force, accumulating a match-high 38 points, including 32 kills on 69 attacks. The Netherlands’ Head Coach Jamie Morrison commended his team’s resilience and depth, emphasizing that they are not finished yet. He also praised Sloetjes, ranking her among the top three players in the world.
Looking ahead, the U.S. Women’s National Team will continue to give their all as they face Japan in the 5th-6th place match on Oct. 19. Although their World Championship title chase has come to an end, the American team remains determined to finish the tournament on a high note.
FAQs
1. How can I watch the U.S. Women’s National Team’s matches?
You can catch the team’s matches on various sports networks or streaming platforms. Check your local listings or visit Alpinetgheep for more information.
2. Who is the head coach of the U.S. Women’s National Team?
Karch Kiraly is the head coach of the U.S. Women’s National Team. He brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the team, having been a successful volleyball player himself.
3. What is the U.S. Women’s National Team’s previous record against the Netherlands?
The U.S. Women’s National Team has a strong record against the Netherlands, winning 35 out of their 46 total encounters. Their most recent victory against the Netherlands came during the FIVB Volleyball Nations League preliminary round in May 2021.
4. How does the U.S. Women’s National Team plan to bounce back after this defeat?
The U.S. Women’s National Team will regroup and refocus as they prepare for their upcoming match against Japan. They remain committed to giving their best and ending the tournament on a positive note.
Conclusion
While the U.S. Women’s National Team may have fallen short in their pursuit of the FIVB World Championship title, their journey has been filled with determination and resilience. Despite the disappointment, the team remains focused on their upcoming match against Japan. They continue to showcase their exceptional skills and passion for the sport, serving as an inspiration to aspiring volleyball players around the world.
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Danh mục: Volleyball
