Tuesday, 16 Jul 2024

China Dominates U.S. Paralympic Women’s Sitting Team in Thrilling Match

The Chinese Women’s Volleyball Team showcased their dominance in a thrilling Paralympic pool play match against the U.S. Paralympic Women’s Sitting Volleyball Team. The Chinese team emerged victorious with a 25-17, 14-25, 14-25, 28-26, 15-13 win in a match that felt more like a gold medal final.

Led by Captain Heather Erickson from Fayetteville, North Carolina, who contributed 22 points (19 kills, two aces, one block), the U.S. team showcased an impressive performance, particularly in the second and third sets after a shaky start in the first set.

Kaleo Kanahele from Edmond, Oklahoma, described how the team started to control their side of the net in the second and third sets, playing their own game rather than letting China dictate the pace. A fantastic six-point service run by Kanaele in the second set gave the U.S. a comfortable lead that they never relinquished. Other standout performances came from Nicky Nieves from Kissimmee, Florida, and Monique Burkland from Ardmore, Oklahoma, who contributed significantly to the team’s success.

However, China’s Yuhong Sheng proved to be a formidable opponent, especially as the match progressed. Sheng’s 22 kills, including set and match point, played a crucial role in the Chinese team’s victory.

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Despite the loss, U.S. Head Coach Bill Hamiter sees it as an opportunity for the team to learn from their mistakes. He highlighted the need for adjustments and fine-tuning certain aspects of their game.

This match marked the fourth meeting between the top two teams in the world this year. The U.S. had previously won the first three encounters, including the World ParaVolley Intercontinental Cup in Anji, China, in March, where they secured the gold medal against China.

Looking ahead, the U.S. team is determined to bounce back and focus on their upcoming match against Rwanda in Paralympic pool play.

U.S. Starters vs. China:

  • Outside Hitters: Katie Holloway, Monique Burkland
  • Middle blockers: Lora Webster, Nicky Nieves
  • Opposite: Heather Erickson
  • Setter: Kaleo Kanahele
  • Libero: Bethany Zummo

U.S. Statistics vs. China:

  • Kills: Erickson 19, Holloway 14, Burkland 11, Nieves 9, Webster 2, Kanahele 2
  • Blocks: Webster 5, Nieves 3, Holloway 3, Burkland 2, Erickson 1
  • Aces: Erickson 2, Nieves 1, Kanahele 1, Webster 1, Burkland 1
  • Digs: Burkland 12, Erickson 8, Holloway 6, Kanahele 6, Zummo 4, Webster 4, Nieves 2
  • Assists: Kanahele 35, Webster 5, Holloway 3, Erickson 2

In the 2016 Paralympic Games Women’s Sitting Volleyball Pools, Brazil, Ukraine, Netherlands, and Canada belong to Pool A, while China, the United States, Iran, and Rwanda are in Pool B.

We encourage readers to visit the official website for more information on the U.S. Paralympic Women’s Sitting Volleyball Team and their schedule.

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