After eight weeks of fierce competition in six countries on four continents, Volleyball Nations League (VNL) has announced the eight world's best teams that will advance to compete in the women's VNL Finals at College Park Center in Arlington, TX July 12-16. Three-time VNL champions, USA will host the women's Finals for the first time. The reigning Olympic Champions are now in second place, just 1 point behind Poland ending the preliminary games 10-2.
Quarterfinals
July 12
Poland vs. Germany - 4 p.m.
USA vs. Japan - 7:30 p.m.
July 13
Brazil vs. China - 10:30 a.m.
Turkey vs. Italy - 2 p.m.
Final Rounds are July 16 and 17 with a medal ceremony after the final game on July 17.
Volleyball World will provide fans, athletes, partners, and other sport afficionados with the ultimate volleyball experience at the Finals in Arlington. It will be a memorable experience for all attendees whether new to the sport or a volleyball pro. Tickets are available at VNLTickets.com.
Texas Players to Watch
Asjia O'Neal from Southlake, TX was All-American at the University of Texas and helped the team to a national title in 2022. O'Neal plays middle blocker for the U.S. team and at the Brazil match scored four points on three kills and one block. O'Neal entered the Serbia match in the first round at the start of the third set and finished the match, scoring five points on four kills and one block.
Middle blocker, Brionne Butler, from Kendleton, TX, who made her VNL debut in 2022, scored 13 points on a match-high eight blocks and five kills in the win against No.1 Serbia in the first round.
Other Texans to watch at the VNL games are Olympic gold and FIVB Volleyball Nations League gold medalist Chiaka Ogbogu from Coppell, TX. Ogbogu plays middle and is sure to be a star of these games along with outside hitter, Avery Skinner from Katy, TX. Skinner was all-American at both Kentucky and Baylor.
Another top player and favorite on this year's USA team is former team captain Jordan Larson, a three-time Olympian, and three-time VNL Champion. Her return is creating a buzz of excitement. Larson's leadership and experience will be key in helping Team USA go for gold once again.
Among the newest talents added to this year's team, Alexandra Frantti, who made her international debut last year at the VNL 2022 as an outside hitter, will be supported by fellow teammate Annie Drews, the veteran outside hitter named MVP at the 2019 VNL edition, when Team USA won their second title. Drews was also a part of the golden squad in Tokyo 2020, and she is sure to be a force to be reckoned with once again at this year's competition.
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