The United States successfully defended their WPV Women’s Super 6 title with a 3-1 (25-20, 20-25, 25-18, 25-19) win over China. Maintaining an undefeated run just like in 2019, Team USA showcased their dominance in the final of the six-nations tournament held at Parc des Sports de Vandoeuvre in Nancy, France on Sunday.
USA came out strong, leveraging their formidable frontline to intimidate the Chinese attackers from the outset. Despite a close start with a slim 7-5 lead, USA gradually pulled ahead. Katherine Bridge made a significant impact, deflecting a powerful attack from Zhang Lijun to extend the lead to 11-7. Lora Webster further solidified the advantage with a clever drop shot that found the back of the Chinese court, giving USA a 14-8 lead. With contributions from players like Whitney Dosty and Kaleo Kanahele, USA maintained their momentum, and a decisive block by Nicole Nieves sealed the first set 25-20.
China responded fiercely in the second set with display a display of resilience and a more effective offence. Although USA started strong with a 3-0 lead, China quickly equalised. Wang Yanan’s quick attack helped China surge ahead to an 11-6 lead. USA managed to close the gap to 14-13, but Zhang’s powerful spike reestablished China’s control. Xu Yixiao’s timely plays ensured China stayed ahead, and a service error from Heather Erickson handed China the set at 25-20, levelling the match.
USA regrouped in the third set, rallying to a 9-2 lead after a 7-0 run. Despite China’s challenge on a block touch, USA kept their focus and maintained a strong offensive rhythm. With contributions from Erickson and Webster, USA extended their lead to 19-11. Zhang and Tang Xuemei attempted to rally China back into the set, but Nieves and Webster’s efforts saw the USA comfortably taking the set 25-18 after an attack error from China.
China opened the fourth set with the initial point, but USA quickly established a 3-2 lead. The teams traded points, and despite several deadlocks, USA edged ahead with a crucial block touch challenge win, making it 10-8. Erickson’s spike increased the lead, and with China struggling to keep up, USA built a 13-10 advantage. Kanahele’s clever play and Bridge’s powerful swing kept USA ahead. Despite China closing the gap to 21-19, USA blockers held firm. At championship point, an ace by Webster clinched the set 25-19 and the match 3-1.
Final Standings
- United States
- China
- Brazil
- Italy
- Canada
- France
Individual Awards
Best Server – Suellen Dellangelica Lima (BRA)
Best Receiver – Zhang Lijun (CHN)
Best Libero – Bethany Zummo (USA)
Best Setter – Kaleo Kanahele (USA)
Best Attacker – Tang Xuemei (CHN)
Best Blocker – Katherine Bridge (USA)
Most Valuable Players – Heather Erickson (USA)
