Tuesday, 3 Dec 2024

U.S. Women Head into Second Week of Grand Prix Undefeated

The U.S. Women’s National Team has had an impressive start in the 2017 FIVB World Grand Prix preliminary round, going undefeated in their first weekend of competition. They secured victories against top-ranked teams such as China, Russia, and Italy, bolstering their 11-0 season record.

Despite having a relatively young roster with only two returning Olympians and nine players with one year or less of experience, the team showcased their talent and potential in their matches. They overcame the concerns surrounding their youthful lineup by defeating Russia in a challenging five-set match, as well as sweeping both Italy and defending Olympic champion China.

However, the road ahead is not easy, as the U.S. Women’s National Team heads to Macau, China, for the second weekend of the World Grand Prix. They will face tough opponents like Turkey, Italy, and China once again. These matches will be crucial for the team to maintain their undefeated record and solidify their position in the tournament.

TV Schedule for July 14-16:

  • USA vs. Turkey – NBC Sports Network on July 14 at 6 a.m. ET
  • USA vs. Italy – Olympic Channel (formerly Universal HD) on July 15 at 2 p.m. ET
  • USA vs. China – Olympic Channel (formerly Universal HD) on July 16 at Noon ET

Macau has a special significance for the U.S. Women’s National Team, as they won the 2011 FIVB World Grand Prix title in this region, known as the “Las Vegas of Asia.” This autonomous region with its giant casinos and malls holds fond memories for the team.

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Head Coach Karch Kiraly has decided to retain the same 14-player roster for the matches in Macau. The team consists of talented setters Carli Lloyd and Micha Hancock, experienced outside hitters Michelle Bartsch-Hackley, Megan Courtney, Madi Kingdon, and Sarah Wilhite, and a strong group of middles including Tori Dixon, Lauren Gibbemeyer, and twins Hannah and Paige Tapp. The team’s leading scorer is Kelly Murphy, while Liz McMahon provides strength in the opposite position. Amanda Benson and Justine Wong-Orantes will share the libero position.

The U.S. Women’s National Team has been performing well in various statistical categories. They have out-blocked their opponents 30-23 and hold a 23-17 advantage in aces. Players like Bartsch-Hackley, Lloyd, and Dixon feature among the top servers in the tournament.

Having won the FIVB World Grand Prix six times, with four titles in the last seven years, the U.S. team has emerged as a dominant force. They aim to continue their success in this prestigious annual international tournament and build upon their previous achievements.

U.S. Women’s National Team Roster for FIVB World Grand Prix Weekend #2:

  • Micha Hancock (S, 5-11, Penn State, Edmond, Oklahoma)
  • Carli Lloyd (S, 5-11, California, Bonsall, California)
  • Justine Wong-Orantes (L, 5-6, Nebraska, Cypress, California)
  • Sarah Wilhite (OH, 6-1, Minnesota, Eden Prairie, Minnesota)
  • Tori Dixon (M, 6-3, Minnesota, Burnsville, Minnesota)
  • Lauren Gibbemeyer (M, 6-2, Minnesota, St. Paul, Minnesota)
  • Madi Kingdon (OH, 6-1, Arizona, Phoenix, Arizona)
  • Kelly Murphy (OPP, 6-2, Florida, Wilmington, Illinois)
  • Michelle Bartsch-Hackley (OH, 6-3, Illinois, Maryville, Illinois)
  • Megan Courtney (OH, 6-1, Penn State, Dayton, Ohio)
  • Hannah Tapp (M, 6-2, Minnesota, Stewartville, Minnesota)
  • Amanda Benson (L, 5-7, Oregon, Litchfield Park, Arizona)
  • Paige Tapp (M, 6-1, Minnesota, Stewartville, Minnesota)
  • Liz McMahon (OPP, 6-6, Illinois, Liberty Township, Ohio)
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Head Coach: Karch Kiraly
Assistant Coaches: Tama Miyashiro, Erin Virtue
Consultant Coach: Jon Newman-Gonchar
Technical Coordinator: Jeff Liu
Athletic Trainer: Kara Kessans
Team Manager: Jimmy Stitz

2017 FIVB World Grand Prix Preliminary Round Standings:

Place – Country – Record / Pts

  1. Serbia – 3-0 / 9
  2. USA – 3-0 / 8
  3. Netherlands – 2-1 / 7
  4. Dominican Republic – 2-1 / 6
  5. Brazil – 2-1 / 5
  6. China – 2-1 / 5
  7. Japan – 2-1 / 4
  8. Turkey – 1-2 / 4
  9. Italy – 1-2 / 2
  10. Russia – 0-3 / 3
  11. Thailand – 0-3 / 1
  12. Belgium – 0-3 / 0

2017 U.S. Women’s Schedule in FIVB World Grand Prix Preliminary Round:

At Kunshan, China

  • July 7: USA def. Russia 22-25, 25-19, 25-27, 25-16, 15-11
  • July 8: USA def. Italy 25-21, 25-22, 25-19
  • July 9: USA def. China 25-22, 25-22, 25-21

At Macau, China

  • July 14: USA vs. Turkey, 4 a.m. ET (TV: NBC Sports Network at 6 a.m. ET on July 14)
  • July 15: USA vs. Italy, 2:30 a.m. ET (TV: Olympic Channel at 2 p.m. ET on July 15)
  • July 16: USA vs. China, 3:30 a.m. ET (TV: Olympic Channel at Noon ET on July 16)

At Cuiaba, Brazil

  • July 20: USA vs. Netherlands, 5:05 p.m. ET (TV: Live on Olympic Channel)
  • July 21: USA vs. Belgium, 5:05 p.m. (TV: Live on Olympic Channel)
  • July 23: USA vs Brazil, 9:10 a.m. ET (TV: Live on Olympic Channel)

FIVB World Grand Prix Final Round:
At Nanjing, China

  • Aug. 2-6: China plus top five other finishers from FIVB World Grand Prix preliminary round

FAQs

Q1: What is the U.S. Women’s National Team’s record in the 2017 FIVB World Grand Prix preliminary round?
The U.S. Women’s National Team currently holds an undefeated record of 3-0 in the preliminary round of the 2017 FIVB World Grand Prix.

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Q2: Who are some notable players on the U.S. Women’s National Team roster?
The U.S. Women’s National Team roster includes players like Carli Lloyd, Kelly Murphy, Tori Dixon, and Michelle Bartsch-Hackley, who have had significant contributions to the team’s success.

Q3: How have the U.S. Women’s National Team performed against their opponents in the tournament?
The U.S. Women’s National Team has showcased their strength and skill by defeating top-ranked teams like China, Russia, and Italy in the preliminary round of the World Grand Prix.

Summary

The U.S. Women’s National Team has made an outstanding start in the 2017 FIVB World Grand Prix, remaining undefeated in the preliminary round. Despite having a youthful roster, the team has displayed their talent and determination by besting top-ranked opponents. The upcoming matches in Macau, China, against Turkey, Italy, and China present new challenges for the team. It will be crucial for them to maintain their winning streak and solidify their position in the tournament. With a strong lineup and impressive performances from players like Carli Lloyd and Kelly Murphy, the U.S. team aims to continue their success in the competition. Follow their journey and catch these exciting matches on television.