In a match that the Coach of the Russian Women’s Volleyball Team (4-3) described as a surprise (and Coach Hugh McCutcheon of USA said was not a surprise), Russia defeated the US Women (2-5) today, 3-1. “I don’t think it’s a surprise,” said McCutcheon. “My players are young and had a problem on blocking their high spikes. I hope my team will come back with the improved form in the next match.” Captain Nancy Metcalf said the loss was “a disappointment.” She added that the team “should do better than this. Russia [is] very strong and we could not cope with their tactics and form.” Former Penn State All American Nicole Fawcett played in all four sets, scoring 1 point.

According to the FIVB’s Match Description “tall and towering Russia played a tough match against the USA before outclassing the newly-formed rivals with a dramatic 3-1 (25-21 26-24 19-25 25-17).

FIVB has posted the Live Score , USA Match Statistics, and Russian Match Statistics on its website.