Crowd Cheers Brazil to Win over U.S. Women

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colorado,  May 17, 2024. – The U.S. Women’s National Team had its comeback come up short on Friday as it fell to Brazil 3-1 (25-22, 25-16, 18-25, 25-19) in at Volleyball Nations League (VNL) preliminary match in Rio de Janeiro.

The U.S. Women (1-2) will finish their first round of VNL preliminary matches on at 10 a.m. PT on Sunday against the Dominican Republic (1-2).

VNL Web site: https://en.volleyballworld.com/volleyball/competitions/volleyball-nations-league/

 A crowd of more than 9,000 filled the Maracanazinho to watch the rematch of the Tokyo 2020 gold medal match.

 Outside hitter Jordan Larson led the U.S. scoring with 17 points on 15 kills, one block and one ace. But no other U.S. player scored in double figures.

 “Playing Brazil in Brazil; it’s an honor to play in a country that loves volleyball this much,” said U.S. setter Jordyn Poulter, who scored four points. “We’re still trying to figure things out. We use VNL a lot differently than other countries do. We’re trying to be good in two months, not necessarily put it all together right now.”

 The U.S. Women led Brazil in blocks (14-11) and aces (5-4). Brazil led in kills (54-50) and scored 24 points on U.S. errors while committing just 13.

 The U.S. could not slow down Brazil’s outside hitter Gabi Guimaraes, who finished with 24 points.

 Outside hitter Ali Frantti started the first two sets and scored nine points, including eight kills. Avery Skinner took over for Frantti and also scored nine points, including eight kills.

 Middle blocker Brionne Butler scored eight points, including a match-high five blocks. Middle Chiaka Ogbogu also had eight points, including two blocks.

 Opposite Danielle Cuttino started the first two sets and scored six points, including two blocks. Madi Skinner started the final two sets at opposite and also scored six points.

 Outside hitter Sarah Wilhite Parsons played as a substitute and scored one point. Middle Anna Stevenson Hall started the third set and scored one point but had to leave after being hit in the head by an attack.