VNL Week 2: USA dominates Czechia for fourth straight win

Jordan Thompson and Team USA in action vs Czechia in the Volleyball Nations League (VNL) women’s week 2 at PhilSports Arena in Pasig. -MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — The United States continued its hot streak in the Philippines, dominating Czechia, 25-17, 25-12, 25-16, on Wednesday in the Volleyball Nations League (VNL) women’s week 2 at Philsports Arena.

Jordan Thompson sustained her fine form with 15 points off 14 kills and a block. Chiaka Ogbogu hosted USA’s block party, providing six of the team’s 10 kill blocks to finish with 11 points.

READ: VNL: Streaking USA cruises as PH kicks off week 2 hosting

Logan Eggleston also scored 11, while Avery Skinner, who sat out on Wednesday, debuted in the Philippines with nine points.

“I’m happy to be back on the court with the girls,” Skinner said. “I think we knew that Czech was a very good team, they’re a pretty balanced team, and they always come out with a lot of energy, so I’m proud of us for starting strong and continuing that throughout the match.”

Team USA’s Chiaka Ogbogu in action during a game vs vs Czechia in the Volleyball Nations League (VNL) women’s week 2 at PhilSports Arena in Pasig. -MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

The Americans went down to an 8-9 deficit in the third, then scored nine straight points–including back-to-back attack errors from Eva Svobodova–en route to their fourth straight win in the tournament.

USA won its first two games in the Pasig Leg and rose to a 5-1 record before facing defending champion Italy on Saturday.

“I think we’re still building and growing. So, obviously each match we get to play is a nice opportunity for us. But every time we get in the gym is a nice opportunity. I feel like we’re going in the right direction. I don’t know, we just keep working on it day by day,” said USA coach Erik Sullivan.

“Italy is a great opportunity to go compete.”

Czechia slid to a 3-3 record, following a  25-18, 25-21, 25-22 loss to Serbia on Wednesday.

Magdalena Jehlarova led the Czechs with eight points, while Ela Koulisiani and Monika Brancuska added seven each.