The U.S. Women’s National Team kicked off their 2025 VNL run with a rough start. Facing the Olympic champs, Italy, in Rio de Janeiro is no small task. The result? A swift 3-0 (25-13, 25-13, 30-28) schooling from the world's number one.
Italy Set the Bar
This match wasn't just a loss. It was a wake-up call. Italy flexed their champion muscles with 45 kills and 13 blocks. The U.S. had no answer. Molly McCage stood tall with four blocks, but it wasn't enough. Logan Lednicky brought the heat in her debut, tying for team-high with nine points. Props to her grit.
The Turning Point
The U.S. came alive in the third set. Lednicky’s kill pushed them to a 16-9 lead. You could feel it coming. But Italy, being Italy, flipped the script. An eight-point run and suddenly, they led. Logan Eggleston served fire, giving the U.S. a set point, but Italy closed it 30-28. Brutal.
What's Next?
Coach Erik Sullivan knows the score. "Italy is going to set the bar for us the rest of the summer," he said. Tomorrow, the U.S. faces Brazil. Expect changes, fresh energy, and a shot at redemption.
That'll do it for this round. The U.S. has work to do, but this is just the start.
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Source: USA Volleyball
