U.S. Women's Sitting Improves to 2-0 at 2026 Worlds

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (July 12, 2026) – After a day’s delay due to safety concerns over a potential typhoon, the U.S. Women’s Sitting National Team continued play at the 2026 World ParaVolley World Championship with a 3-0 (25-13, 25-13, 25-18) victory over Germany in Hangzhou, China, on Sunday.

The U.S. (2-0) will complete pool play against Ukraine, who defeated Germany in its first match, tonight at midnight PT.

The U.S. finished with more kills (26-17), blocks (8-3), and had a significant advantage in service aces (16-5).

“It was good to have Katie (Bridge) back on the floor and we were serving really well,” said U.S. head coach Bill Hamiter. “We had really good net play, and when you combine those things, you are going to come out with a pretty good win. I was pleased with some of the other people we put in as we were trying some different things we may use later on, so it was good to see. You are always a little bit concerned about how a delay will affect you. I thought the players did an outstanding job. They were ready to play coming in and stayed pretty smooth throughout. No high or low emotions, it was just smooth.”

Bridge returned with 11 points on seven kills and a match-best four blocks, while middle Monique Matthews posted match-highs of 12 points and eight kills to go with four aces. Setter Kaleo Kanahele Maclay led all players with five aces and added three kills for eight points.

Nicky Nieves totaled seven points on three kills and four aces. Emma Schieck (three kills, one block, one ace) and Tia Edwards (three blocks, two kills) each scored five points. Libero Alexis Patterson served two aces.

U.S. Women’s Sitting Team Roster for World Championship

No  Name (Position, Height, Hometown)
2 Bethany Zummo (L, 5-3, Dublin, Calif.)
3 Alexis Patterson (S/L, 5-4, Waseca, Minn.)
4 Maddy Ball (DS, 5-7, Delray Beach, Fla.)
5 Katie Bridge (OH, 6-3, Lake Stevens, Wash.)
7 Monique Matthews (MB, 6-0, Ardmore, Okla.)
8 Whitney Dosty (OH/OPP, 6-3, Tucson, Ariz.)
9 Tia Edwards (OH/MB, 5-7, Skiatook, Okla.)
11 Jillian Williams-Coffee (MB/OH/OPP, 5-10, Odem, Texas)
12 Emma Schieck (OH, 5-7, Statesville, N.C.)
14 Kaleo Kanahele Maclay (S, 5-6, Oklahoma City, Okla.)
16 Nicky Nieves (MB/OH, 5-10, Kissimmee, Fla.)
17 Jessie West (OH, 5-8, Edmond, Okla.)
18 Courtney Baker (MH, 5-9, Crofton, Ky.)
24 Raelene Elam (OH, 6-1, St. George, Utah, Northern California)

Head Coach: Bill Hamiter
Assistant Coach: Grace Campbell
Performance Analyst: Jeff Hicks
Athletic Trainer: Samantha Carter
Mental Performance Coach: Brooke Lamphere
Team Manager: Layne Smith

Schedule

All times Pacific
July 10: USA def. Netherlands, 3-1 (25-12, 25-15, 23-25, 25-21)
July 11: USA def. Germany, 3-0 (25-13, 25-13, 25-18)
July 13: USA vs. Ukraine, 12 a.m.
July 13: Round of 16
July 14: Quarterfinals and classification matches
July 15: Semifinals and knockout rounds
July 16: Bronze medal match and placement matches
July 17: Gold medal match