Nanjing, China, July 6, 2019 – The United States’ scoring tandem of Annie Drews and Michelle Bartsch-Hackley powered the four-set victory against hosts China at the 2019 FIVB Volleyball Nations League, steering their side for another title run. Brazil, meanwhile, stunned last year’s runners-up Turkey in straight sets to become USA’s challenger in the final.
Drews and Bartsch-Hackley combined for 42 points to lead USA to a 3-1 (25-11, 15-25, 25-17, 25-20) win over China in the semifinals.
USA have a complement of talented and experienced players that helped reel off a 15-3 record, putting them one step closer to winning successive titles at the VNL. Last year, they defeated Turkey in the tiebreaker to win the inaugural crown.
The challenger, Brazil, overwhelmed Turkey in straight sets (25-23, 25-15, 25-10) in the first semifinal match, with Natalia Pereira scoring 15 points.
Brazil have a 14-4 record so far at this year’s competition and have already improved their previous record, guaranteeing a podium finish this time. Last year, the South American team lost in straight sets to China in the third-place decider.
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FIVB.com - Volleyball Nations League
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