PARIS, France (July 29, 2024) - In a thrilling Paris Olympics opener, the U.S. Women's National Volleyball Team displayed immense resilience as they battled back against China before falling short in a 3-2 (25-20, 25-19, 17-25, 20-25, 15-13) loss on Monday. Despite the defeat, the U.S. team showed impressive performance and determination during the match, earning themselves one point for pushing the game to five sets.

Ranked fifth in the world entering the Olympic Games, the U.S. team faced off against the sixth-ranked China in a closely contested match. Despite a statistical advantage of 74-68 in kills and 6-1 in aces, the U.S. squad was unable to secure the victory, with China capitalizing on 21 U.S. errors while committing only 11.

Head Coach Karch Kiraly commended his team for their fighting spirit and praised key players for their exceptional performances. Libero Justine Wong-Orantes stood out with a match-high 17 digs and 12 successful receptions, while setter Jordyn Poulter showcased her resilience after returning from a severe knee injury.

Annie Drews led the charge for the U.S. team with 26 kills and 29 points, displaying a remarkable efficiency percentage of .353 despite the defeat. Drews emphasized the importance of bringing her best self to inspire her teammates, acknowledging the need to minimize errors in future matches.

The U.S. team, known for their depth and versatility, called upon 'Game Changers' Avery Skinner and Kathryn Plummer to shift the momentum against China. Skinner's impressive performance of 17 points on a .400 hitting percentage, along with Plummer's 10 points, played a crucial role in forcing the tiebreaker.

While China ultimately secured the victory, the U.S. team showcased their determination and tactical prowess throughout the match. The rollercoaster battle between the two powerhouse teams sets the stage for an exciting Olympic campaign as the U.S. Women's Volleyball Team prepares to face Serbia next on July 31 in Paris.