Team USA continued its march towards the gold medal in women's volleyball and women's basketball on Wednesday as the Americans won their quarterfinal matches in those events here at the Tokyo Olympics.
The Americans advanced to the semifinals of the women's volleyball competition after a comprehensive victory over the Dominican Republic, while Team USA remained unbeaten in women's basketball, crushing Australia in the quarterfinals.
Team USA crushes Dominican Republic in women's volleyball
Despite being without key players Jordyn Poulter and Jordan Thompson, the United States eased past the Dominican Republic in the quarterfinals of women's volleyball, winning in straight sets, 25-11, 25-20, 25-19, to reach their fourth consecutive semifinals in the Olympics.
Team USA got off to a fantastic start, winning 19 of the last 27 points in Set 1 to grab the opener 25-11. Leading the Americans in the opening set were Andrea Drews and Michelle Bartsch-Hackley, who each racked up five attack points.
The second set was a much closer affair, with the Dominican Republic saving four set points at the end. Drews ended the fightback, though, converting an attack point to take the second set by a score of 25-20.
With their tournament lives hanging in the balance, the Dominicans displayed tremendous heart in the third set, keeping it close and even trailing by just 17-16 at one stage. The Americans, however, proved too good in the end, going on an 8-3 run to win the set 25-19.
Drews was incredible for Team USA, scoring 21 points on 36 attempts, 10 of which came in the third and final set. Bartsch-Hackley added 13 points for Team USA, while Haleigh Washington contributed seven attack points and two blocks.
Next up for Team USA in the semifinals is a clash with European powerhouse Serbia. The Americans lost to Serbia five years ago in the Rio Olympics, with Team USA suffering a five-set defeat in that semis encounter. The loss came after star middle blocker Foluke Akinradewo Gunderson injured her knee in the first set.
Related Article: Team USA Targets Gold Medal Matches on Day 13 of Tokyo Olympics: How to Watch on T.V.
Team USA trounces Australia in women's basketball
Team USA stretched its unbeaten run in the women's basketball competition in the Summer Games to a whopping 53 matches with a 79-55 victory over Australia in the quarterfinals on Wednesday. Breanna Stewart led the way for the Americans, scoring a total of 23 points, 20 of which came in the first half.
After producing sluggish starts in their opening group games, Team USA came out firing in this match as they ended the first quarter with a 26-12 advantage. Australia came storming back, though, starting the second period with a 13-2 run to slice the deficit to just three points.
That was the closest they got, as Team USA cruised to yet another victory in this competition. The Australians had no answer for Stewart, who shot 8-of-10 from the field. Griner starred for Team USA as well, finishing with 15 points, eight rebounds, two steals, and two blocks.
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