LISHUI, China (June 28, 2016) – The U.S. Collegiate National Team-China Tour defeated Jiangsu Zhongtian Steel VBC 20-25, 25-19, 25-19, 25-21 on June 24 in Lishui, China, at an arena that was hosting its first-ever volleyball match in front of a large crowd. Jiangsu finished second this past season in the Chinese professional league.
Outside hitter Tia Scambray (Dana Point, California, University of Washington) led all USA scorers with 20 points via 17 kills on 37 attacks, two blocks and an ace. Middle Abby Cole (Grand Haven, Michigan, University of Michigan), starting the final three sets, contributed nine kills on 13 attacks, two blocks and an ace. Opposite Jordan Thompson (Edina, Minnesota, University of Cincinnati) added 11 points on eight kills, two blocks and an ace.
Middle Jenna Rosenthal (Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, Marquette University) chipped in three kills, three blocks and two aces for eight points. Opposite Audriana Fitzmorris (Overland Park, Kansas, Stanford University) pocketed five kills on 12 attacks and a block for six points in starting just the final set. Outside hitter Alexa Smith (Colorado Springs, Colorado, University of Colorado) charted two kills, three blocks and an ace for six points.
Outside hitter Madison Rigdon (Pflugerville, Texas, University of Kansas) recorded four points including two aces in starting just the first set. Middle Kaz Brown (Waterloo, Iowa) with two points and setters Ainise Havili (Fort Worth, Texas, University of Kansas) and Katie Brand (Grand Island, Nebraska, Kansas State University) each with one point.
Libero Morgan Heise (Hempstead, Texas, SMU) was credited with a 56 positive reception percent by handling 27 of the team’s 74 receptions. Scambray had a 58 positive reception percent on 28 chances.
The U.S. converted 41 percent of its attacks into points with a .236 hitting efficiency (50-21-123). Team USA out-blocked Jiangsu 14-8 and held a 10-5 ace advantage. The Americans limited Jiangsu to a 35 kill percent and .164 hitting efficiency.
Beijing will be the last stop on the tour for the delegation and the CNT will compete in a tournament versus the Chinese Junior National Team and the Bayi Army Team.
U.S. Collegiate National Team for 2016 Tour of China
No. – Name (Position, School, 2016 College Year, Height, Hometown)
1 – Morgan Heise (L, SMU, Jr., 5-6, Hempstead, Texas)
2 – Abby Cole (M, University of Michigan, Sr., 6-5, Grand Haven, Michigan)
3 – Jenna Rosenthal (M, Marquette University, So., 6-6, Fond du Lac, Wisconsin)
4 – Kaz Brown (M, University of Kentucky, Jr., 6-4, Waterloo, Iowa)
5 – Jordan Thompson (OPP, University of Cincinnati, So., 6-4, Edina, Minnesota)
6 – Audriana Fitzmorris (OPP, Stanford University, Fr., 6-6, Overland Park, Kansas)
7 – Ainise Havili (S, University of Kansas, Jr., 5-10, Fort Worth, Texas)
8 – Alexa Smith (OH, University of Colorado, So., 6-1, Colorado Springs, Colorado)
9 – Madison Rigdon (OH, University of Kansas, So., 6-0, Pflugerville, Texas)
10 – Tia Scambray (OH, University of Washington, Jr., 6-0, Dana Point, California)
11 – Katie Brand (S, Kansas State University, Sr., 6-1, Grand Island, Nebraska)
12 – Courtney Schwan (OH, University of Washington, Jr., 6-1, Auburn, Washington)