THE memories of Paris lingered, and so did the sting.
Nearly two years after Italy denied the United States an Olympic gold medal with a dominant straight-sets victory in the Paris 2024 final, the Americans finally got their measure of revenge.
READ: More than gold: Jordan Thompson's fight goes beyond the court
Team USA dismantled the two-time defending Women’s Volleyball Nations League (VNL) champions, 27-25, 25-20, 25-16, on Saturday at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City, handing Italy its first loss of the Philippine leg while extending its own unbeaten run in the country.
The showdown carried extra weight as a rematch of the Olympic gold medal match, where Italy swept the Americans to capture the crown in Paris.
But this version of the Italian squad looked far different from the one that stood atop the Olympic podium. The Europeans played without superstar opposite Paola Egonu and received only limited minutes from converted outside hitter Ekaterina Antropova, opening the door for the Americans to seize control.
After surviving a fiercely-contested opening set, Team USA never looked back even with limited minutes from captain Jordan Thompson.
Stephanie Samedy spearheaded a balanced American attack with 12 points, while Madi Banks added 11 as the United States showcased the depth that has become its calling card throughout the tournament.
Middle blockers Asjia O’Neal and Molly McCage chipped in nine points apiece, helping the Americans dominate at the net and wear down the defending champions as the match progressed.
Star-spangled attack
The world No. 1 Italian side struggled to generate consistent offense without its usual arsenal of weapons. Sarah Fahr led Italy with 11 points, while Stella Nervini and Loveth Omoruyi contributed 10 markers each.
The defeat spoiled what had been a perfect run in Pasig City for the reigning VNL champions, who entered the contest unbeaten and eyeing another statement win in their quest for a third straight title.
Instead, it was the Americans who made the louder statement.
Despite rotating personnel from one VNL leg to another throughout the tournament, Team USA remained undefeated in the Philippine stop, proving once again the remarkable depth of its player pool.
And on a Saturday night filled with reminders of Paris, the Americans delivered a response they had waited nearly two years to make.
This time, the revenge belonged to the United States.
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