For the third consecutive quadrennial, the US Women’s Sitting Team has become the first USA Volleyball national team to qualify for both the Paralympic and Olympic Games. In a dominant display, the US Women defeated Italy 25-8, 25-11, 25-6 in the semifinals of the Sitting Volleyball World Championships held in Rotterdam, Netherlands. The top two finishers at Worlds secure their place in the 2020 Paralympic Games in Tokyo.
The US Women, boasting an undefeated record at Worlds, will face Russia in the gold medal match on Saturday at noon ET. Russia edged out China 25-23, 25-29, 25-19 in the other semifinal. Meanwhile, the US Men’s Sitting Team will compete against Russia in a classification match for fifth-eighth place at 10 a.m. ET on Saturday.
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Although the US Women have never won the gold medal at the World Championships, their appearance in the final is not surprising given their status as the world’s top-ranked team. However, it is worth noting that their opponent is Russia, as opposed to the defending champions China. The US Women have a history of facing China in the final of both the World Championships and Paralympic Games.
The US Women are familiar with the Russian team, having played exhibition matches against them during the Colorado Crossroads Qualifier in Denver in 2017 and 2018. Furthermore, the US Women emerged victorious against Russia during the pool play in the Netherlands.
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In their semifinal victory over Italy, US opposite Heather Erickson led all scorers with 18 points, including a match-high 11 kills, five blocks, and two aces. Outside hitter Katie Holloway contributed 17 points, with seven aces, seven kills, and three blocks. The US Women dominated in key statistical categories, leading in kills (39-13), blocks (9-2), and aces (17-2).
Despite the statistical disparity, the US Women expressed admiration for Italy’s progress in the tournament, noting the excitement of witnessing an up-and-coming team make it to the semifinals. Middle blocker Lora Webster remarked, “We’re looking forward to witnessing their program growing.”
The US Women’s Starting Lineup against Italy featured outside hitters Katie Holloway and Monique Burkland, middle blockers Lora Webster and Nicky Nieves, opposite Heather Erickson, setter Kaleo Maclay, and libero Bethany Zummo. The substitutes included Alexis Shifflett (S), Nicole Millage (OH), Jillian Williams (Opp), and Tia Edwards (MB).
Coach Bill Hamiter leads the US Women’s Sitting Team, with assistance from Lazaro Beltran and Jon Aharoni as assistant coaches. Patrick Lawrence serves as the team’s athletic trainer, Michelle Goodall as the team manager, Jeffrey Hicks as the technical coordinator, and Emily Clark as the team psychologist.
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The US Women’s Schedule for the World Championships in Arnhem, Netherlands, saw them defeat Hungary 25-7, 25-3, 25-8, Russia 25-14, 25-16, 25-23, and Japan 25-14, 25-13, 25-12 in the earlier matches. In Rotterdam, their journey continued with victories over Ukraine (25-17, 25-12, 25-13) in the quarterfinals and Italy (25-8, 25-11, 25-6) in the semifinals.
FAQs
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Q: How many times has the US Women’s Sitting Team qualified for the Paralympic and Olympic Games?
- A: The US Women’s Sitting Team has qualified for the Paralympic and Olympic Games three times in a row.
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Q: Who will the US Women’s Sitting Team face in the gold medal match at the Sitting Volleyball World Championships?
- A: The US Women’s Sitting Team will compete against Russia in the gold medal match.
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Q: Which team has the US Women’s Sitting Team historically faced in the final of the World Championships and Paralympic Games?
- A: The US Women’s Sitting Team has historically faced China in the final of both the World Championships and Paralympic Games.
Summary
The US Women’s Sitting Team has secured their place in the Tokyo Olympics after an impressive performance at the Sitting Volleyball World Championships. Remaining undefeated, they defeated Italy in the semifinals and will now face Russia in the gold medal match. The team’s journey to the final comes as no surprise, given their status as the world’s top-ranked team. Led by coach Bill Hamiter, the US Women’s Sitting Team is determined to claim their first gold medal at the World Championships. Their success is a testament to their skill and dedication, and the team’s qualification for the Paralympic and Olympic Games is a significant achievement. To follow the exciting journey of the US Women’s Sitting Team, visit the official website of Alpinetgheep.com.
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Danh mục: Volleyball
