|
SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic –The year 2015 saw the United
States winning the FIVB World Grand Prix for the sixth time in
the history of the women’s premier annual volleyball
competition. Brazil has won the title for 10 times.
The American women, who had won in 1995, 2001, 2010, 2011 and
2012, became the first team to win prestigious competition on
home soil in Omaha, Nebraska.
USA claimed their eighth World Grand Prix medal, which matched
Cuba’s medal record of eight, after China (9), Russia (13) and
Brazil (17), which won more medals in the tournament.
In 11 of the last 12 seasons, only USA and Brazil have won
titles within the period, and the only exception in this streak
was the victory of the Netherlands in 2007.
USA is the first team to win the World Grand Prix immediately
after winning the FIVB World Championship. They finished the
tournament 5-0 after defeating China 25-23, 25-19, 25-18 to
close the event.
Karsta Lowe, who made an impressive impact in just her first
season, was named the Most Valuable Player of the FIVB
Volleyball World Grand Prix Finals after leading the Americans
to the gold medal with an undefeated record.
2015 FIVB World Grand Prix Final Round Standings
Gold – USA
Silver – Russia
Bronze – Brazil
4th – China
5th – Italy
6th – Japan
FIVB World Grand Prix Finals Dream Team
MVP: Karsta Lowe (USA)
1st Best Outside Spiker: Natalia Pereira (Brazil)
2nd Best Outside Spiker: Kelsey Robinson (USA)
1st Best Blocker: Juciely Barreto (Brazil)
2nd Best Blocker: Christa Harmotto Dietzen (USA)
Best Libero: Anna Malova (Russia)
Best Setter: Molly Kreklow (USA)
Best Opposite Spiker: Nataliya Goncharova (Russia) |
