USA defeats Russia in World Grand Prix Semifinals - Articles

Article by Bill Kauffman/USA Volleyball Outside hitter Kim Hill (Portland, Oregon) sparked the top-ranked U.S. Women’s National Team to a 25-20, 25-23, 25-14 victory over fourth-ranked Russia on Saturday to advance to the FIVB World Grand Prix title match in Bangkok where it will have a chance to defend its title from last year. Hill scored a match-high 17 points with 11 kills on 23 attacks, five of the team’s nine aces and a block. Middle Rachael Adams (Cincinnati, Ohio) contributed 13 points with seven kills on 12 errorless attacks, a team-best four blocks and two aces. Outside hitter Jordan Larson (Hooper, Nebraska) tacked on 12 kills on 36 attacks with two errors in the victory. “Russia is always a big strong team, with a big strong block and big attackers,” Hill said. “We had to make some adjustments. We served really tough and that worked well for us today.” The U.S. will meet Brazil in the title match on Sunday at 7 a.m. ET. Brazil has won 10 of the previous 23 editions, while defending champion Team USA is going for its seventh World Grand Prix title including fifth in seven years. The championship match can be viewed live online on NBC Sports Live Extra (http://ift.tt/28QosOV) or tape delayed on cable channel Universal HD on Sunday at 10 p.m. ET. The FIVB World Grand Prix is the premier annual international women’s volleyball tournament now in its 24th edition. The USA-Russia match can be seen on cable channel Universal HD at 10 p.m. ET on Saturday...

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