U.S. Women defeat Poland in thriller to move Into First Place in VNL

SUWON, Korea, June 28, 2023.- The U.S. Women’s National Team moved into first place in the Volleyball Nations League (VNL) preliminary round with a thrilling 3-2 (17-25, 25-15, 27-25, 28-30, 16-14) victory over Poland in Suwon, Korea. Poland entered the contest in first place.

The U.S. Women (8-1), which entered the final week of preliminary round play as the No. 1 team in the world, return to the court at 11:30 p.m. PT on Thursday against Bulgaria (2-7).

Outside hitter Kelsey (Robinson) Cook made her 2023 VNL debut a memorable one, scoring the winning point and sharing the team lead with opposite Annie Drews with 20 points. Cook finished with 17 points and three blocks, while Drews paced the U.S. squad with 18 kills, adding a block and service ace.

Middle blocker Dana Rettke, who finished with 13 points (10 kills, three blocks) added three kills in the fifth set, including a kill on an overpass at 14-14. Outside hitter Ali Frantti recorded 12 kills and middle blocker Haleigh Washington totaled 10 points, including a team-high five blocks.

Captain and libero Justine Wong-Orantes totaled 23 digs with Cook and Frantti each adding 10.