Kelsey Robinson topped scored for USA with 11 points in their 250th World Grand Prix match
Ningbo, China, June 10, 2016 – Kelsey Robinson picked up where she left off for USA scoring 11 points as she helped the side begin their defence of their FIVB Volleyball World Grand Prix title with a convincing 3-0 (25-15, 25-17, 25-12) win against Germany in Ningbo, China on Friday.
It was the 250th World Grand Prix match for the world No.1 and they marked it in style, with Robinson scoring nine spikes and two blocks and Kim Hill claimed two aces.
History was not on Germany’s side, with the world No.11 failing to win their opening match at the past two editions of the tournament. A bad start in the opening set pointed towards a similar scenario in 2016 as the US ruthlessly attacked, charging to a 12-7 lead before German coach Felix Koslowski called for a time out. But that just allowed the Americans to regroup and a reception error allowed them to take the first set 25-15.
USA carried their momentum into the second set, taking an 8-3 lead into the second technical time-out. Germany continued to commit errors – contributing to the 23 throughout the match – gifting the second set to the United States despite a late ace from Wlebke Silge.
Karch Kiraly maintained the same starting six in the third as he had all match, with the side functioning perfectly together. This was made all the more evident with the continued powerful attacks raining down on the German reception, with the defending champions carving out a 17-7 lead. From there it was a simple stretch to 25-12 as they set down a strong marker for the rest of their Group 1 rivals.
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