Team USA women’s volleyball outlasted Italy in five sets. However, another key injury may hinder them moving forward. You can find out more about the injury as the article progresses.
Set One
The US started well but Italy fought back quickly. Italy had some momentum so the US took a timeout with the score at 10-7. Jordan Thompson was out due to injury so someone had to step up. Another timeout was called by Karch Kiraly as the lead grew to 13-7. Annie Drews got more opportunities with Thompson out after having a solid game against Russia. However, the US looked flat. A crazy rally resulting in a US point energized the team and warranted a timeout from Italy with the gap closed to three. Italy tried to distance themselves again but the US stuck around. They came back to close the gap again go three with the score at 24-21, but Italy took set one.
Set Two
The US automatically came out sharper in the second set. The energy instantly picked up as well. Italy was playing from behind this time as the US continued to distance the lead. Italy took a timeout trailing 13-9. The lead grew to 17-12. Italy seemed out of sorts as the US had all of the momentum. Team USA took the set 25-16.
Set Three
The US had the early edge again but Italy looked good as well. Setter Jordyn Poulter left the court after landing on and rolling her ankle. Micah Hancock came in to replace her. After that, Italy gained momentum and tied the set at 8. The US needed a timeout. Out of the timeout, it remained close.
Poulter later left the court in a wheel chair and ice around her foot/ankle. We’ll keep you posted if we see or hear anything about her status and condition. The Americans continued to bring the energy with a five point lead. Italy roared back to close the gap. With only a two point lead, head coach Karch Kiraly took a timeout. Italy had new life as they tied the set at 22. The US got to set point after a service error by Italy, but they tied it up again at 24 and send the set to extra points. Italy took the set 27-25. The injury to Poulter similar to Thompson’s took the air out of the Americans sails.
Set Four
The US jumped out to a 5-2 lead. It was back and forth until the US broke the set open 16-10. Italy took a timeout and chipped away at the lead. Poulter came back to watch her team and provide more support. The US won a challenge to win the set 25-16.
Set Five
Haleigh Washington made her presence felt as the US got to a slim early lead. Team captain Jordan Larson throughout the match was talking to her team and bringing the energy. Italy wasn’t done yet and made it a competitive set. With the US close to victory, Italy took a timeout to calm the waters. It didn’t help as Team USA took the set win and the match 15-13.
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