VNL Week 2: USA sweeps Italy in clash of champions

Team USA’s Stephanie Samedy in action during a game vs Italy in the VNL Women’s Week 2. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines–What was expected to be a hard-fought battle between two three-time Volleyball Nations League champions instead ended in a sweep, with the United States dispatching Italy, 27-25, 25-20, 25-16, in Week 2 on Saturday at PhilSports Arena.

Stephany Samedy led the Americans with 12 points, all coming from attacks, as the United States has yet to drop a set in the Manila leg of the FIVB’s premier annual competition.

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Madison Banks chipped in 11 points for the Americans, who improved to 6-1 overall.

Team USA’s Madison Banks in action during a game vs Italy in the VNL Women’s Week 2. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

The opening set proved to be the most competitive, with both teams trading runs before the United States gradually pulled away behind its offensive firepower.

The Americans finished with a 49-41 advantage in attacks and capitalized on Italy’s miscues, scoring 17 points off errors compared to the Italians’ nine.

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Merit Adigwe paced Italy with 13 points and was the lone Italian player to reach double figures.

The loss dropped Italy to 5-2.

The United States wraps up its Manila campaign against Serbia on Sunday, while Italy takes on Japan.

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The tournament features 18 teams, with the top eight after the three-week preliminary phase advancing to the Finals in Macau.

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