United States Fall to China 3-1 at 2024 VNL

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colorado, May 16, 2024.– The U.S. Women’s National Team fell to China 3-1 (23-25, 25-23, 25-22, 25-19) on Thursday at the Volleyball Nations League (VNL) at the Maracanazinho in Rio de Janeiro.

The U.S. Women (1-1) will look to bounce back against host Brazil (2-0) on Friday at 5 p.m. PT.

Volleyball Nations League 2024: schedule and results

While the U.S. Women have already qualified for the Olympic Games, China (2-0) has not and is looking to qualify via its world ranking at the end of VNL.

Led by outside hitter Li Yinying (20 kills) and setter Wang Yuanyuan (eight blocks), China was strong at the net, leading the U.S. in kills (60-58) and blocks (12-6). The U.S. Women led in aces (5-4). The U.S. scored on 22 Chinese errors and committed 20.

Opposite Danielle Cuttino led the U.S. scoring with 19 points on 16 kills, two blocks and one ace. Outside hitter Jordan Larson added 18 points on 16 kills (.411 hitting efficiency), one block and one ace.

“We had moments where we were grooving,” Larson told Volleyball World. “We know what we need to do to get better. I am proud of us for sticking through it.”

Outside hitter Avery Skinner scored 14 points on 12 kills, one block and one ace. She was also credited with 14 digs and 11 successful receptions.

Middle blocker Anna Stevenson Hall added nine points on seven kills, one block and one ace.

Middle Chiaka Ogbogu totaled five points on four kills and one ace. Middle Brionne Butler, who subbed for Ogbogu in the third set and finished the match, scored three points on three kills.

Setter Lauren Carlini scored one point with a kill. Libero Justine Wong-Orantes was credited with 11 digs and seven successful receptions.

Outside hitters Ali Frantti and Sarah Wilhite Parsons also played as substitutes.