The United States secured a spot in their second consecutive Olympic women’s volleyball final by defeating Brazil in a dramatic five-set match at the Paris Games on Thursday. This encounter served as a rematch of the gold medal clash from Tokyo three years prior.
While the U.S. had dominated Brazil with a 3-0 victory in Tokyo, the South Americans came into this match without having dropped a single set in Paris. The reigning champions faced a much tougher challenge in this rollercoaster of a contest.
The match was highlighted by standout performances from American Kathryn Plummer, who scored 26 points, and Brazil’s Ana Cristina de Souza, who contributed 24 points, as both players battled fiercely at the net.
Olympic newcomer Avery Skinner, with 19 points and 3 blocks, and Andrea Drews, who added 18 points, played pivotal roles in guiding the U.S. to a hard-fought 25-23, 18-25, 25-15, 23-25, 15-11 victory, leaving the Brazilian team heartbroken.
“It was an intense battle, a real dogfight. We knew it wouldn’t be easy, and I’m so proud of how we fought,” Skinner remarked.
The U.S. team now awaits either Turkey or Italy in the final.
In the first set, both teams were evenly matched, but the Americans kept their composure at 23-23, with Plummer scoring a decisive kill and another spike leading to a block error, giving the U.S. a 1-0 lead.
Brazil quickly rebounded in the second set, with De Souza’s powerful play proving too much for the Americans, and the 20-year-old clinched the set with a strong spike.
Plummer continued to apply pressure on Brazil with her relentless attacks, and Skinner contributed crucial points, including the set-winning point in the third.
Although Brazil rallied in the fourth set, nearly losing it when the U.S. saved two set points, a Brazilian error eventually forced a deciding fifth set.
In the final set, Brazil took an early lead, but two remarkable digs by American Lauren Carlini in a single rally gave the U.S. the momentum to surge ahead, while Brazil faltered under pressure.
Brazil’s veteran coach Ze Roberto called a timeout in an attempt to rally his team, but Plummer sealed the U.S. victory on their second match point with a decisive kill, sending the Americans to the final.
“We thrive in moments like these when greatness is within reach,” American Jordyn Poulter said.