By Bill Kauffman (bill.kauffman@usav.org)
RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil – The U.S.
Olympic Women’s Volleyball Team, ranked No. 1 the world, was energized
by its bench play Friday after as it defeated Italy 25-22, 25-22, 23-25,
25-20 during the Olympic Games Pool B being staged at Maracanazinho
Arena in Rio de Janeiero, Brazil.
The
Americans, now 4-0 in Pool B with 11 points and in first place,
conclude pool play against the world’s No. 3 China on Sunday at 4:05
p.m. ET. Team USA, though already qualified for the Aug. 16
quarterfinals following its victory over Serbia on Wednesday, is aiming
to grab the top seed from Pool B.
Earlier today China lost to Serbia 25-19, 25-19, 25-22 to fall to 2-2
with seven points. Serbia is now in second place with a 3-1 record and
nine points. Serbia challenges fourth-place Netherlands on the final day
of pool play prior to the USA’s match against China. A Team USA win
will secure the top spot in the Pool B heading into the quarterfinals.
However, an American loss to China means Serbia can slip into the top
seed with a win over Netherlands despite having lost to the U.S. earlier
this week.
The top four teams from the two six-team pools advance to the
quarterfinals with the top seeds
