With veterans and star players like Jordan Larson, Kim Hill, Rachael Adams and Foluke Akinradewo taking a break, Coach Kiraly’s squad lost to a young but strong Italian team in 4 sets. This defeat means USA has been eliminated from the Final Round and concludes their journey in 5th place.
Italy’s scoring machine Paola Egonu was on fire scoring 32 points while left handed opposite hitter Andrew Drews scored 16 points for the American squad captained by 2016 Olympic bronze medalist Carli Lloyd.
Italy will Serbia next but both teams have qualified for the Final 4.
MATCH RESULT: Italy 3-1 USA (25-21, 22-25, 25-22, 25-21)
FIVB IMAGES