U.S. Women Edge Japan in 5, Now 6-0 in World Cup

SAPPORO, Japan, September 22, 2019 - Michelle Bartsch-Hackley collected 30 points as the U.S. Women’s National Team held off Japan 26-24, 22-25, 25-21, 23-25, 15-8 to improve to 6-0 in the FIVB World Cup in Sapporo, Japan.

Team USA, ranked third in the world, improves to 6-0 with 17 points in the 12-team round robin World Cup. The Americans return to the court on Monday to battle against the world-number two China. The U.S. and China (6-0, 17 points) are the only remaining undefeated teams with the winner getting the upper hand on the path to gold with five remaining matches.

Opposite Karsta Lowe contributed 18 points while Middle Chiaka Ogbogu scored 15 points, including seven blocks. Kelsey Robinson and Haleigh Washington also finished in double figures with 14 and 10 points, respectively.

Now the attention turns to a pivotal match with undefeated China on Monday with the winner taking sole possession of first place.

Team USA is the only country to have medaled in each of the last four World Cups. The Americans won silver in 2011 and bronze in 2003, 2007 and 2015. The 2015 World Cup podium finishes replicated the 2016 Olympic Games results – China winning the event with Serbia claiming silver and USA bronze.