In a duel of the last two Olympic champions, China leaned on Li Yingying to deal Team USA a big loss in Paris 2024 women's volleyball action.
China jumped to a hot start, sputtered, but recovered in time for a rousing 25-20, 25-19, 17-25, 20-25, 15-13 win over Team USA in the Olympic Games Paris 2024 women’s volleyball on Tuesday, July 30 (Philippine time).
Li Yingying showed the way for the Asian powerhouse with 26 points, including 24 on attacks as China got the headstart in Pool A action.
Zhu Ting fired 17 points for China, while Gong Xiangyu and team captain Yuan Xinyue added 13 and 12, respectively.
China zoomed to a scintillating start, winning the first two frames in relatively comfortable fashion against the Americans.
But with backs against the wall, the Tokyo 2020 gold medalists refused to fold and bucked the slow start to force an deciding set.
China, champions in Rio 2016, showed steely nerves when the going got tough and emerged victorious in the highly-charged match.
The China win spoiled a sterling 29-point outing by Andrea Drews, who also had three blocks in the five-setter, for Team USA.
Avery Skinner scored 17 points including two service aces, Chiaka Ogbogu chipped in 13, and Haleigh Washington and Kathryn Plummer combined for 21.