The U.S. Women's National Team faced a heartbreaker in Rio. Czechia took the match 3-2 (23-25, 20-25, 25-17, 25-20, 27-25), flipping the script after the U.S. led 2-0.
DOMINANCE TURNED DRAMA
Sarah Franklin was a force. She tallied 20 points with 19 kills and a block. The U.S. block initially ran the show, leading with a 13-6 advantage.
But Monica Brancuska had other plans. The Czechia star dropped 22 kills, leading her team to its first ever VNL win over the U.S. Michaela Mlejnkova added fuel with seven of her 21 kills in the fifth set.
ONE ROTATION FLIPPED EVERYTHING
The U.S. seemed unstoppable, taking the first two sets with ease. Amber Igiede and her 18 points looked like they’d seal the deal. But Czechia? They found their groove, passing at 75% in the third set. And just like that, momentum shifted.
In the deciding fifth set, it was nail-biting. The U.S. held match points, but Czechia fought back. Franklin and Igiede combined for 11 kills, but Czechia had the final say, scoring the last three points.
COACH SULLIVAN'S REALITY CHECK
“We lost some consistency early on in the third and put ourselves in a pretty big hole,” said head coach Erik Sullivan. Proud of the fight? Yes. But he knows consistency is key.
With a record of 0-3, the U.S. faces Korea next. It's a pivotal match. Can they find the consistency they need?
This loss? A wake-up call. Franklin? A bright spot. But Czechia? They just made their mark. That'll do it.
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Source: USA Volleyball
