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USA Defeats Poland to start the Finals of VNL

 

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colorado, July 3, 2019 – The U.S. Women’s National Team took a step closer to defending its FIVB Volleyball Nations League title by rallying to defeat Poland 21-25, 25-16, 25-15, 26-24 on Wednesday to open the Finals Round pool play in Nanjing, China.

 

Team USA will have Thursday off before facing Brazil on Friday at in its three-team pool. If Brazil wins its opening Pool B match versus Poland on Thursday, both USA and Brazil advance to the VNL semifinals that begin on Saturday followed by the medal round on July 7.

 

Opposite Annie Drews led Team USA with 23 points, including 21 kills on 41 attacks, one block and one ace. Outside hitter Kelsey Robinson charted 15 kills on 30 attacks, two aces and two blocks for 19 points. Outside hitter Michelle Bartsch-Hackley added nine kills on 26 attacks and a team-high four aces for 13 points.

 

Middle Haleigh Washington scored a match-high seven blocks to go with four kills on eight swings for 11 points. Middle Chiaka Ogbogu charted five kills on nine attacks and four blocks for nine points. Setter Lauren Carlini rounded out the scoring with one kill and one block for two points.