United States overpowers China in battle of two VNL titans
In a battle of two titans, the United States overpowered China, 25-21, 25-23, 25-21, Saturday night in the Volleyball Nations League Women’s Leg at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The American showed their prowess against their equally strong counterparts, attacking at all angles and destroying the Chinese’s net defense to remain unbeaten in Week 2 for a 6-1 win-loss record at second place.
Kathryn Plummer lifted United States by pumping in 20 points built on 18 kills and two aces, while Kelsey Robinson was also unstoppable in the offensive lane by drilling 13 hits to finish with 15 points.
The Americans actually trailed 10-4 and 20-18 in the third set and slowly regained their pace after three straight off-the-block spikes gave them a 21-20 lead.
A crosscourt kill from Gong Xiangyu tied it at 21-all but it proved to be China’s last stand as the United States smashed its rival’s defense including a corner spike from Robinson that sealed the win.
Haleigh Washington also stepped up for the United States with 11 points while Danielle Cuttino and Hannah Tapp teamed up for 14 points.
Li Yingying scored 13 points for China, which absorbed its second loss against five wins for third place.