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.

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

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.

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.

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