China Stuns Top-Seeded USA in Five-Set Thriller at Volleyball Nations League Finals
Quick Look
China achieved a stunning upset victory over top-seeded USA in a five-set thriller at the Women's Volleyball Nations League Finals in Macau, advancing to the last four for the first time since 2023 amidst a roaring home crowd.
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Why It Matters
China defeated top-seeded USA in a five-set match at the Women's Volleyball Nations League Finals in Macau, marking their first semi-final appearance since 2023.
China produced a stunning upset in the last eight of the Women’s Volleyball Nations League Finals in Macau on Thursday, beating the top-seeded USA in a five-set thriller.
More than 4,000 fans roared the home team through a roller-coaster victory, with China taking a 2-1 lead, only for the Americans to drag themselves level, before a deciding set that had everyone in the Macau East Asian Games Dome on the edge of their seats.
The 15-25, 25-23, 25-20, 17-25, 15-13 victory took China to the last four for the first time since 2023, and maintained their dominance over a side that sits four places higher in the world rankings.
In a one-sided first set, Dana Rettke and Jordan Thompson guided the US to a comfortable lead that they never lost.
In a far more even second, the two sides were tied at 18-18 until China pulled away for a 23-20 advantage, with outside hitter Zhuang Yushan helping to close it out.
The third set was close until 13-13, when China piled on the points and took themselves to the verge of a famous win. But the US fought back, and took the fourth after opening up a four-point lead at 13-9.
Open Questions
- Who will China play in the semi-finals?
- What is the schedule for the next matches?
