Thursday, 7 Nov 2024

Poland Hands U.S. Women First Loss in Road to Paris Qualifier

The U.S. Women’s National Team faced a tough defeat against an inspired Polish team in the FIVB Road to Paris Olympic Qualifier. Playing in front of a massive hometown crowd, Poland came out on top with a 3-1 victory (27-25, 16-25, 25-23, 25-16) at Łódź, Poland.

A win in this match would have secured a berth for the U.S. Women’s team in the 2024 Olympics. However, both Poland and the U.S. now share the top spot in Pool C standings with 15 points. Italy and Germany, who are also 4-1, will play later on Saturday.

The U.S. Women’s team, the defending Olympic champions, will have another opportunity to secure their spot in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games as they face Germany on Sunday at 8:30 a.m. PT.

In this intense match, the U.S. had a lead in aces (4-2) and blocks (11-8), but Poland had the advantage in kills (58-56). The difference-maker was the number of unforced errors, with Poland capitalizing on 25 points from U.S. errors, while the U.S. scored 18 points from Poland’s mistakes.

U.S. Head Coach Karch Kiraly expressed his disappointment with the outcome, stating, “It’s a real disappointment because we’re capable of beating that team. We had a lead in the third, had things in control, and then let it slip away by just not executing the way we are capable of and need to. So, all eyes ahead to Germany, and a chance to come back strong, pick ourselves back up, and respond with real strength and resolve.”

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The match began with Poland taking the lead and holding it for most of the first set. The U.S. managed to catch up and tie the game at 18. The two teams exchanged points until a Kelsey Cook kill gave the U.S. set point at 24-23. However, Poland fought back with two kills to secure the set.

Set two remained competitive until the U.S. Women’s team pulled ahead, leading 21-15. They went on to win the set with a score of 25-16.

In the third set, the U.S. Women’s team saw their five-point lead diminish as Poland tied the game at 20-20. At 23-23, Poland secured an ace and a kill to win the set 25-23. Set four was dominated by Poland, who led from the very beginning.

Leading the U.S. team in points was opposite Jordan Thompson with 16 points, including 13 kills, two blocks, and one ace. Outside hitter Jordan Larson contributed 14 points with 11 kills, two blocks, and one ace.

Kelsey Cook, an outside hitter, had 12 kills and a block for a total of 13 points. She also led the team with nine digs and 16 successful receptions. Middle blockers Dana Rettke and Chiaka Ogbogu each scored nine points, with Rettke recording six kills, two blocks, and an ace, and Ogbogu contributing four kills, four blocks, and an ace.

During the third set, outside hitter Kathryn Plummer, who came off the bench, made an impact with five points from five kills. Opposite Annie Drews added three kills in the fourth set.

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Setter Lauren Carlini contributed two kills and three digs, while libero Justine Wong Orantes recorded four digs and six successful receptions.

In Pool A, Serbia has secured their spot in Paris, while VNL champion Türkiye has also guaranteed their place out of Pool B.

For those wanting to watch the matches, they can be viewed on VolleyballWorld.tv.

FAQs

Q: What was the outcome of the match between the U.S. Women’s team and Poland in the FIVB Road to Paris Olympic Qualifier?
A: The Polish team emerged victorious with a 3-1 win (27-25, 16-25, 25-23, 25-16).

Q: Did the U.S. Women’s team secure a spot in the 2024 Olympics with this match?
A: Unfortunately, the U.S. Women’s team did not secure a spot in the 2024 Olympics with this match. They are currently tied with Poland at the top of the Pool C standings.

Q: Who will the U.S. Women’s team face next in the Road to Paris Olympic Qualifier?
A: The U.S. Women’s team will be competing against Germany in their next match.

Summary

In a highly anticipated match, the U.S. Women’s National Team faced a tough defeat against Poland in the FIVB Road to Paris Olympic Qualifier. A win in this match would have secured their spot in the 2024 Olympics, but they fell short against an inspired Polish team playing in front of a passionate home crowd.

Despite leading in aces and blocks, the U.S. team struggled to capitalize on their advantages, while Poland excelled in kills. Unforced errors also played a significant role in the outcome, with Poland capitalizing on U.S. mistakes.

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Head Coach Karch Kiraly expressed disappointment but emphasized the team’s focus on their upcoming match against Germany. The U.S. Women’s team will need to regroup, execute their game plan, and respond with strength and determination.

Individual performances by Jordan Thompson, Jordan Larson, Kelsey Cook, and others showcased the team’s talent and resilience. Although the loss is a setback, the U.S. Women’s team still has an opportunity to qualify for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

Stay tuned for more exciting matches as the Road to Paris Olympic Qualifier continues, with other teams vying for their chance to compete in the prestigious event.