Alix Klineman
6-5
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (October 9, 2021) – The USA Volleyball beach pair of Alix Klineman/April Ross will play for bronze at the FIVB World Tour Finals after going 1-1 Saturday in Cagliari, Italy.
They’ll face Russia’s Nadezda Makroguzova/Svetlana Kholomina at 9:00 a.m. Pacific Sunday. A live stream will be available on Beach Volleyball World’s YouTube channel.
Klineman/Ross advanced to the bronze medal match after dropping a 2-0 (21-15, 21-12) decision to Sarah Pavan/Melissa Humana-Paredes of Canada in the semifinals. The North American rivals met three times previously in 2021, and Klineman/Ross won all three. Even with Saturday’s loss, the Americans lead the FIVB series 6-4.
Before the semifinal, Klineman/Ross advanced via a three-set win over fellow Americans Kelly Claes/Sarah Sponcil in the quarterfinals. The younger pair won the first set, clinching on a kill from Claes. The A Team countered with a 21-13 win in the second set and a 15-8 win in the third.
Should they win Sunday, Klineman/Ross will be the first U.S. women’s team to medal at the World Tour Finals. American men have medaled three times since the tournament began in 2015. Reigning Olympic champions, Klineman/Ross have four international medals already this year: Gold at the Olympic Games 2020, Gold at the Doha Four-star, and two bronze medals during the Cancun hub.
Klineman/Ross and Makroguzova/Kholomina played a tightly contested three-setter during pool play in Cagliari. The Russians eked out a 2-1 (22-24, 21-19, 15-10) win.
Athletes Mentioned
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