COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (May 16, 2017) – The U.S. Women’s Sitting Team won its first match of the World ParaVolley World Super 6 on Tuesday, defeating Japan, 25-19, 25-12, 25-14 in Hangzhou, China.
“All 10 rostered athletes saw quality minutes,” said Team Leader Michelle Goodall via email. “It might not have been our cleanest match, but it was good to get the event going. It is a new roster this event, so it’s just good to see what some new combinations can provide.”
Outside hitter Tia Edwards: “Well this is our first major competition since Rio and it was good to get back on the court and get good touches. While it wasn’t our sharpest performance, it was good to battle.”
Outside hitter Heather Erickson: “It’s been years since we’ve played Japan and they have improved tremendously since then. We have a lot of new players and this tournament will be a good opportunity to get some quality touches against good teams. I’m excited to see what the new players will bring to our team this competition.”
U.S. Women’s Sitting Team
No. – Name (Position, Height, Hometown)
2 – Bethany Zummo (L, 5-2, Dublin, Calif.)
3 – Alexis Shifflett (S, 5-4, Waseca, Minn.)
6 – Heather Erickson (OH, 5-11, Fayetteville, N.C.)
7 – Monique Burkland (OH, 5-9, Ardmore, Okla.)
8 – Whitney Dosty (OH, 6-3, Tucson, Ariz.)
10 – Kari Miller (L, 5-6, Washington D.C.)
14 – Kaleo Kanahele Maclay (S, 5-6, Edmond, Okla.)
16 – Nicky Nieves (MB, 5-10, Kissimmee, Fla.)
17 – Tia Edwards (OH, 5-7, Skitatook, Okla.)
18 – Courtney Baker (OPP, 5-8, Crofton, Ken.)
Head Coach: Bill Hamiter
Assistant Coaches: Lazaro Beltran and Jon Aharoni
Technical Coordinator: Jeff Hicks
Team Leader: Michelle Goodall
Athletic Trainer: Patrick Lawrence
Competition Schedule and Results (all times ET)
May 16
USA def Japan, 25-19, 25-12, 25-14
Russia def China, 25-20, 16-25, 25-19, 23-25, 15-7
Ukraine def Netherlands, 25-20, 23-25, 25-15, 22-25, 15-13
May 17: USA vs China, 4 a.m.
May 18: USA vs Ukraine, 2 a.m.
May 18: USA vs Netherlands, 10 p.m.
May 20: USA vs Russia, 4 a.m.
May 21: Medal matches