Ankara, Turkey, July 3, 2015 – USA had a sluggish start but eventually recovered to record a 3-1 (25-27, 25-21, 25-22, 25-23) victory over Italy in Pool C of the FIVB Volleyball World Grand Prix at the Baskent Volleyball Hall on Friday.
Italy’s Indre Sorokaite top scored with 17 points, while Kelsey Robinson of USA made 16 markers.
USA were up 10-6 in the first set that prompted Italian coach Marco Bonitta call a timeout. Italy benefitted from the break and scored two markers from stuff blocks 10-8 until Diouf’s ace got her team closer with a slim 12-11 advantage for USA. The Italians took the lead at 19-18 then a series of deadlocks followed. Italy eventually closed the first set 27-25 with a soft tip from Lucia Bossetti.
Italy led in the second set 16-11 but lost momentum from unforced errors that allowed USA to make their own run until the score is tied again at 19-all from a strong spike from Robinson. USA finally felt the momentum shift to their side and superbly finished the second set 25-21.
USA crossed a difficult path in the third and fourth sets but still emerged on top. USA gained victory in the third frame 25-22 from a Cristina Chirichella error, then won set and match 25-23 from a Nicole Fawcett’s spike.
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