USA celebrate their victory over China to get to the semifinals of the 2016 FIVB Volleyball World Grand Prix Finals
Bangkok, Thailand, July 8, 2016 – Defending champions the United States advanced to semifinals of the 2016 FIVB Volleyball World Grand Prix Finals, following their 3-0 (25-21, 26-24, 25-22) victory over China at Indoor Stadium Huamark on Friday.
Karsta Lowe played solid offence and produced all 12 points from the attack line, while team-mate Rachael Addams took care of their defence with six blocks. Zeng Chunlei top scored for China with 14 markers.
China captain Hui Ruoqi and Yuan Xinyue got off to a great start as they led 10-6 in the first set. Kimberly Hill and Jordan Larson’s powerful kills helped USA to level the score at 12-all. The Chinese captain had a minor leg injury that led to her replacement on the court. Hui was replaced by young outside spiker Liu Yanhan, who delivered points for the Asian squad, but USA were more persistent and snatched the first set win 25-21.
China had a 6-1 lead as they took advantage of USA’s sluggish start in the second set. Lowe helped her team to get back on track until they tied the score at 21-all. USA rallied and clinched the second set victory 26-24.
USA commanded the third set with a 12-6 advantage, but Liu Xiatong and Liu Yanhan helped China cut the USA lead to within two points at 24-22. USA still managed to secure set and match 25-22.
