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Washington scores 20 in USA victory against Japan

 

RUSE, Bulgaria May 22, 2019 – Middle Haleigh Washington making her FIVB debut, scored a team-high 20 points in leading the U.S. Women’s National Team past Japan 25-21, 24-26, 25-21, 25-20 on Wednesday, in Ruse, Bulgaria, on the second day of the FIVB Volleyball Nations League.

The U.S., now 2-0 in the 2019 VNL, concludes its opening week round robin on May 23 against host Bulgaria at 1:30 p.m. ET.

Washington hammered 12 kills on 20 attacks and added five blocks and three aces on 22 serves for her 20 points.

 Opposite Jordan Thompson, who entered the match late in the third set, contributed a whopping 14 points. Outside hitter Madi Kingdon Rishel totaled 13 points while Middle Hannah Tapp added eight kills on 13 attacks and five blocks for 13 points.

Opposite Annie Drews recorded 11 points and outside hitter Mikaela Foecke pocketed 11 points for the sixth player reaching double-figure points.

The Americans held a 14-6 block advantage as both teams served five aces. The U.S. out-scored Japan 65-53 in attacks in the victory.

 “Another great win by USA Volleyball against an always tough to beat Japan,” U.S. Women’s National Team Assistant Coach Luka Slabe said. “They run a fast offense, they grind, they play hard in defense. But USA played really well defense today and found some really good solutions offensively. We had a lot of good help from the bench. Overall, a very good team effort. There are a few things that we need to work on, but we are very happy with where we are right now with two nice wins and another match tomorrow night against host Bulgaria. We played Bulgaria at World Championships and we were successful in that match, but they are playing at home in front of their fans (tomorrow). It is going to be another tough battle for our young group.”