USA Women Defeat Brazil in Opening Match of FIVB World Grand Prix Final Round

[knapplc]

U.S. Women Defeat Brazil Again to Start Finals

 

 

 

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (June 27, 2012) – The U.S. Women’s National Volleyball Team, ranked No. 1 in the world, opened the FIVB World Grand Prix Final Round with a 25-19, 25-20, 20-25, 13-25, 15-13 victory over No. 2 ranked Brazil Wednesday at Ningbo, China.

 

During the second preliminary round weekend of the FIVB World Grand Prix, the U.S. defeated Brazil in four sets at Brazil using a starting lineup of five different starters. While Team USA went 9-0 in the three preliminary round weekends, the Americans start the Final Round now with a 1-0 record and two standings points as the records are reset. Brazil, with both its losses during the tournament coming at the hands of the United States, is 0-1 in the Final Round with one point. Brazil won five five-set matches during the preliminary round, but could not complete the comeback to begin the Final Round.

 

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Megan Hodge (Durham, N.C.) led the U.S. with 16 points, including five points in the fifth set. She notched 15 kills and one block in the match. Nancy Metcalf (Hull, Iowa) contributed 15 points via 12 kills, two blocks and an ace. Heather Bown (Yorba Linda, Calif.) chalked up seven kills and seven blocks for 14 points. Christa Harmotto (Hopewell Township, Pa.) recorded seven kills and four blocks for 11 points. Kristin Richards (Orem, Utah) pocketed eight points all on kills. Alisha Glass (Leland, Mich.) tallied four blocks and a kill for five points. Cynthia Barboza (Long Beach, Calif.) totaled three kills, while Tayyiba Haneef-Park (Laguna Hills, Calif.) provided two kills. Courtney Thompson (Kent, Wash.) rounded out scoring with an ace.

 

This is the USA Alternate squad, not featuring the likes of Jordan Larson, Logan Tom, Destinee Hooker, etc. Not sure why they decided to have the B Team compete in the Grand Prix, but whatever the reason, it appears to be working.

 

There's scuttlebutt that some of the players working hard in this tourney might make the Olympic roster. Here's hoping Nancy gets the call. It would be great to have two Huskers on the Olympics roster.

 

An action shot of Metcalf putting up the ROOF!ROOF!ROOF! from earlier in the tournament:

 

[GM_Tood]

I think Hugh said he would be resting some of the starters for the Olympics.

 

Tayyiba Haneef-Park has been playing very solid...her attacks have been quick, and blocking has been outstanding. Right now I would say she has the edge on Metcalf coming off the bench.

 

Overall the women are playing outstanding vb. Cant wait for London!