Olympic champ Team USA brings down Bulgaria
TEAM USA beat Bulgaria, 25-20, 25-22, 25-20, in a match where the Americans showed why they are both Olympic and Volleyball Nations League (VNL) champions on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. The victory allowed the US— which brought in a mix of Tokyo Olympics veterans and fresh faces to the Quezon City Week 2 leg of the VNL— to bounce back from a stunning loss to Japan in Week 1 action in Louisiana.
“I’m just happy to be wearing the USA team jersey [again] and back with some of my amazing teammates. And it’s fun to play with new faces,” the 29-year-old outside hitter told reporters. “We have some young players who are going to get some looks and gain experience so it’s just finding our rhythm.”
Team Captain Micha Hancock said she’s happy to play with their energetic new teammates.
“We will just have fun while playing the best in the world,” she said.
Opposite spiker Danielle Cuttino scored 12 points along with two blocks and seven digs while middle blocker Hanna Tapp added 11 points.
Fan favorite Justine Wong-orantes, who was also in Tokyo, was warmly received by Filipino fans.
“I’m super excited that the Filipino fans are amazing,” Wong-orantes said, who collected eight digs in the match.
Miroslava Paskova had 14 points, including two blocks and six digs, while Silvana Chausheva added nine points and six digs for the Bulgarians, who suffered their fourth loss in five games.
The Americans will be facing Poland at 11 a.m. on Saturday in the event that has Mikasa, Ganten, Gerflor and Senoh as global sponsors and global suppliers, PLDT Home as presenting partner, Rebisco, MG Philippines, TOP Speed Insurance, Asics and Maynilad as official sponsors, Havas Ortega, The Look Company, Summit Outdoor Media, Marketing Media Ventures, Strong Media Advertising Solutions. 91.5 Win Radio, Philippine Olympic Committee, Philippine Sports Commission, City of Taguig, Quezon City and F2 Logistics as official
suppliers.