COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (April 13, 2019) – The U.S. Women’s National Sitting Volleyball Team, ranked No. 1 in the world, remained undefeated in 2019 as it beat No. 4 Ukraine 25-17, 25-17, 22-25, 25-19 in an exhibition match Saturday afternoon in Edmond, Oklahoma, on the University of Central Oklahoma campus. The teams agreed to play a bonus fifth set in which Team USA won 15-11.
The Americans are now 7-0 this season and will conclude its three-match exhibition series with Ukraine on Sunday at 9 a.m. The match is free and open to the public at the UCO Wellness Center (550 N. University Drive).
For the second match in a row, Monique Burkland led the Team USA offense. She tallied 16 points in the second victory over Ukraine, including 12 kills on 41 swings, three blocks and an ace as she started the first four sets. Heather Erickson, who started three sets, chipped in nine kills on 26 attacks, four aces and a block for 14 points. Lora Webster, a starter in all five sets, tallied eight kills on 16 attacks, three blocks and an ace for 12 points. Katie Holloway reached a dozen points with 10 kills on 22 attacks, one block and one ace.
Lexi Shifflett served four aces and added three kills on six errorless attacks and a block for eight points. Nicky Nicky Nieves contributed four kills on seven attacks and a block for five points all in the third set. Nichole Millage, a starter in the second and fifth sets, pocketed four kills on eight errorless attacks. Tia Edwards charted one kill, one block and one ace for three points in two sets. Emma Schieck scored a kill on two swings and a block in the bonus fifth set. Whitney Dosty, who started the fourth set, produced two kills on five attacks. Rounding out the scoring with a point each were Jillian Williams, Kaleo Maclay and Courtney Baker.
Bethany Zummo totaled 24 receptions with a 42 positive reception percent in her four sets of action at the libero position. Sydney Satchell added 16 receptions in three sets of action. Burkland was credited with a 71 positive reception on 14 chances.The U.S. a 13-6 block advantage as both teams served 13 aces. The Americans produced 55 kills as a team with a 37 kill percent while limiting Ukraine to an 21 kill percent and 24 total kills.
U.S. Women’s Sitting Team versus Ukraine – Match 2
Points: Monique Burkland 16, Heather Erickson 14, Lora Webster 12, Katie Holloway 12, Lexi Shifflett 8, Nicky Nieves 5, Nichole Millage 4, Tia Edwards 3, Whitney Dosty 2, Emma Schieck 2, Jillian Williams 1, Kaleo Maclay 1, Courtney Baker.
Kills-Attacks: Monique Burkland 12-41, Katie Holloway 10-22, Heather Erickson 9-26, Lora Webster 8-16, Nichole Millage 4-8, Nicky Nieves 4-7, Lexi Shifflett 3-6, Whitney Dosty 2-5, Jillian Williams 1-4, Emma Schieck 1-2, Tia Edwards 1-6.
Blocks: Lora Webster 3, Monique Burkland 3, Lexi Shifflett 1, Katie Holloway 1, Heather Erickson 1, Emma Schieck 1, Nicky Nieves 1, Tia Edwards 1, Courtney Baker 1.
Aces: Lexi Shifflett 4, Heather Erickson 4, Lora Webster 1, Katie Holloway 1, Monique Burkland 1, Kaleo Maclay 1, Tia Edwards 1.