JINTAN, China (June 24, 2016) – The U.S. Collegiate National Team-China Tour rallied from two sets down to defeat Chinese professional league team Jiangsu Zhongtian 19-25, 23-25, 25-13, 25-23, 15-13 Thursday night in a hard fought match in a hot and humid Jintan Stadium. Jiangsu finished in second in the Chinese League this winter.
After training in a hot and humid gymnasium void of air conditioning the day before, the U.S. got off to a slow start in dropping the first two sets. The Americans nearly came back to win the second set, but the momentum carried over to final three sets netting victory.
The U.S. had balanced scoring in the five-set win as Audriana Fitzmorris totaled a match-high 18 points with 12 kills on 27 attacks, three aces and three blocks. Abby Cole and Alexa Smith each produced 17 points. Cole had 14 kills on 22 swings and three blocks, while Smith scored 16 kills on 31 swings and an ace in starting the final four sets. Tia Scambray chipped in five kills on 14 swings, five aces and a block while starting just the second set.
Jenna Rosenthal added seven points, including four blocks, as she started three of the sets. Courtney Schwan chalked up five points, while Kaz Brown provided four points in two sets. Jordan Thompson and Madison Rigdon added three points apiece, and Katie Brand and Ainise Havili rounded out the scoring with two points each from their setter position.
Morgan Heise led the defensive charge with 26 digs as Team USA held a 67-55 dig advantage as a team.
The U.S. converted 43 percent of its attacks into points with a .260 hitting efficiency (65-26-150). The Americans held a 13-7 block advantage while holding Jiangsu to a .211 hitting efficiency (55-24-147).
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 (MB, University of Michigan, Sr., 6-5, Grand Haven, Michigan)
3 – Jenna Rosenthal (MB, Marquette University, So., 6-6, Fond du Lac, Wisconsin)
4 – Kaz Brown (MB, 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)