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Washington scores 20 in USA victory against Japan
RUSE, Bulgaria May 22, 2019
– Middle Haleigh Washington making her FIVB debut, scored a
team-high 20 points in leading the U.S. Women’s National Team
past Japan 25-21, 24-26, 25-21, 25-20 on Wednesday, in Ruse,
Bulgaria, on the second day of the FIVB Volleyball Nations
League.
The U.S., now 2-0 in the 2019 VNL, concludes its opening
week round robin on May 23 against host Bulgaria at 1:30 p.m.
ET.
Washington hammered 12 kills on 20 attacks and added five
blocks and three aces on 22 serves for her 20 points.
Opposite Jordan Thompson, who entered the match late in
the third set, contributed a whopping 14 points. Outside hitter Madi
Kingdon Rishel totaled 13 points while Middle Hannah Tapp added
eight kills on 13 attacks and five blocks for 13 points.
Opposite Annie Drews recorded 11 points and outside
hitter Mikaela Foecke pocketed 11 points for the sixth player
reaching double-figure points.
The Americans held a 14-6 block advantage as both teams
served five aces. The U.S. out-scored Japan 65-53 in attacks in
the victory.
“Another great win by USA Volleyball against an always
tough to beat Japan,” U.S. Women’s National Team Assistant Coach
Luka Slabe said. “They run a fast offense, they grind, they play
hard in defense. But USA played really well defense today and
found some really good solutions offensively. We had a lot of
good help from the bench. Overall, a very good team effort.
There are a few things that we need to work on, but we are very
happy with where we are right now with two nice wins and another
match tomorrow night against host Bulgaria. We played Bulgaria
at World Championships and we were successful in that match, but
they are playing at home in front of their fans (tomorrow). It
is going to be another tough battle for our young group.”
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