U.S. Women Sweep No. 2 China Again - Articles

Article by Bill Kauffman/USA Volleyball: The U.S. Women’s National Team, ranked No. 1 in the world, received balanced scoring using multiple lineups in defeating second-ranked China 25-21, 26-24, 25-22 Friday evening in the FIVB World Grand Prix Finals Round being held in Bangkok and moves into the semifinals on an eight-match win streak. Opposite Karsta Lowe (Rancho Santa Fe, California) led a quartet of Americans in double-figure scoring as she totaled 12 points with 12 kills on 28 attacks and just four errors. Middle Rachael Adams (Cincinnati, Ohio) chipped in six blocks, four kills on 10 swings and an ace for 11 points. “Karch had told Carli and I to stay ready, be ready for anything,” Lowe said of coming off the bench along with three other players to start the second set. “I just tried to come in prepared and bring a lot of energy. Kind of over energy and over communicate, which is key when you throw a bunch of new players on the floor. I think that was a huge for us.” Outside hitter Michelle Bartsch (Maryville, Illinois), playing in her first career FIVB World Grand Prix match, contributed 11 points with nine kills on 20 swings and just two errors, one block and one ace in starting the final two sets. She echoed Lowe’s sentiment on being ready for whenever her number is called to enter the match. “Karch had talked to us a little bit before just to be ready for anything, and that is part of the rule on this...

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