Hong Kong, China, July 17, 2015 - USA earned a victory over Thailand 3-1 (25-21, 25-18, 23-25, 25-16) to celebrate their second win in Pool H.
Set one started with a seesaw as no team could establish any significant lead until the middle stage when two aces from Hattaya Bamrungsuk put Thailand 16-14 in front. USA lost their focus and after two unsuccessful services were 19-16 down as quickly the scoreboard showed 21-17 in Thailand's favour. Two unforced errors from the Asian side saw the margin dropping to 21-19 and two successful USA blocks tied the scores at 21 all. The American side felt the momentum and scored another four consecutive points, from which two by Kimberly Hill, to take the set 25-21.
The second set was heading to USA from the beginning after they managed to snatch the lead after some tense opening exchanges, reaching 16-9 at the second technical timeout. Thailand only managed to narrow the gap to five points at 23-18, but the next two points went to USA to seal the 25-18 win.
Set three saw both teams trading points until Thailand took a slender advantage 13-11, but soon lost it at 13 all. The attacking power from Onuma Sittirak and good blocking allowed the Asian side to regain the lead 17-14, but as left-hand Karsta Lowe scored two points from the right USA were again 22-21 in front. Thailand, however, kept calm to hit the front once again and to finish the set off 25-23. USA came back out for the fourth set in style, taking a 10-6 lead and always keeping Thailand at arm’s length, taking the set 25-16.
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