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USA defeat Argentina and advance to the Round of 16
August 24, 2025.- The Americans collected six points in Pool D and
secured their second victory at the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Women’s
World Championship this Sunday in Nakhon Ratchasima, becoming the
first team to book a spot in the tournament’s Round of 16.
Dominant in three sets, the Americans bounced back from a second-set
loss to overcome Argentina 3-1 (25-14, 23-25, 25-12, 25-17) and
confirm their place in the knockout stage of the 20th edition of the
event in Thailand.
Olympic medalist middle blockers Dana Rettke and Chiaka Ogbogu led
the American offense, with the former tallying 15 points (11 kills,
three blocks, one ace) and the latter adding 14 (eight kills, five
blocks, one ace). Outside hitters Sarah Franklin and Avery Skinner
also played key roles, scoring 15 and 13 points, respectively.
“It feels amazing to have qualified, we’re super excited,” Franklin
said. “The second set didn’t go the way we expected, but as a team
we just wanted to improve on the things that didn’t go well, and I
think we did a great job with that in sets three and four.”
Italy respectful but ruthless in sweep of Cuba
Italian star opposite Paola Egonu played only the first two sets of
the match (as did four other teammates) but still topped the scoring
charts with 12 points in the 3-0 (25-9, 25-8, 25-16) victory. Egonu
spiked at a 67% success rate, added two aces, and produced two
blocks.
Overall, Italy outplayed Cuba across all stats: 41-20 in kills, 13-3
in blocks, and 6-1 in aces. Cuba’s top scorer was 22-year-old
opposite Dezirett De La Caridad Madan, who registered eight points,
all from kills.
Puerto Rico fall to Greece as Europeans claim first World
Championship win in 23 years
Greece secured their first victory at an FIVB Volleyball Women’s
World Championship in 23 years, defeating Puerto Rico in four sets
3-1 (25-19, 25-13, 23-25, 25-14) in a Pool C match on Sunday in
Chiang Mai.
The Greeks dominated the game in every area — kills (58-40), blocks
(10-6), and aces (6-1). Outside hitter Valeria Vázquez was Puerto
Rico’s top performer with 14 points, while 15-year-old opposite
Decelise Champion contributed 12.
Match schedule August 25 (local time)
4 PM Canada vs. Spain
4 PM Dominican Republic vs. Mexico | 
