Women's Sitting Team Beats Slovenia for Bronze Medal at Worlds

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Nov. 11, 2022) – The U.S. Women’s Sitting Team regrouped from semifinal disappointment and claimed the bronze medal at the ParaVolley World Championships on Friday with a 3-0 (25-8, 25-14, 25-10) win over Slovenia in Sarajevo.

The U.S. Women finished the tournament with a 5-1 record. It is their fourth straight medal at the World Championships. They have taken silver at the last three editions.

The U.S. Women had to work together to overcome the disappointment of losing to Brazil in the semifinals.

“It was paramount that we make some quick adjustments and get ready to play today after our disappointing loss yesterday,” U.S. Women’s Sitting Team Head Coach Bill Hamiter said. “The ladies did an outstanding job regrouping, getting refocused and being ready to play.”

Veteran player Lora Webster, who joined the team in 2004, said the key to victory was pulling together.

“Everything about today was focused on the 14 of us,” she said. “Everything we did on the court was four each other and that is why we were successful.”

The U.S. Women served 18 aces against Slovenia, which had two aces. Middle blocker Tia Edwards led the way with five aces and setter Lexi Shifflett added four.

The United States also led in kills (33-14) and blocks (7-4).

“I am really proud of how our team came together after a tough loss and took care of what we needed to do to bring home a medal,” said U.S. Team Captain Monique Matthews, who led the team in scoring at outside hitter with 13 points on eight kills, three blocks and two aces. “It is a great learning experience for us, and I know it will only make us work harder for our upcoming competitions.”

Outside hitter Whitney Dosty added 12 points on nine kills, two blocks and one ace. Opposite Heather Erickson scored 11 points on eight kills and three aces.

Edwards and Shifflett each had two kills to go with their aces. Shifflett set the team to a .351 hitting efficiency.

Kaleo Kanahele Maclay (two points), Nicky Nieves (two points), Emma Schieck (one point) and Courtney Baker all played as substitute.

Sydney Satchell started the first and third sets at libero and four receptions. Bethany Zummo started the second set and had seven.

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

No. Name (Position, Ht., Hometown, Region)
1 Lora Webster (MB, 5-11, Point Lookout, N.Y., Garden Empire)
2 Bethany Zummo (L, 5-3, Dublin, Calif., Northern California)
3 Lexi Shifflett-Patterson (S, 5-4, Waseca, Minn., North Country)
4 Maddy Ball (OH, 5-7, Delray Beach, Fla., Florida)
6 Heather Erickson (Opp, 6-0, Fayetteville, N.C., Carolina)
7C Monique Matthews (MB/OH, 6-0, Ardmore, Okla., Oklahoma)
8 Whitney Dosty (OH/OPP, 6-3, Tucson, Ariz., Arizona)
9 Tia Edwards (OH/MB, 5-7, Skiatook, Okla., Oklahoma)
10 Sydney Satchell (L, 5-2, Windsor, Conn., New England)
12 Emma Schieck (OH, 5-7, Statesville, N.C., Carolina)
13 Gia Cruz (S, 5-5, San Antonio, Texas, Lone Star)
14 Kaleo Kanahele Maclay (S, 5-6, Honolulu, Hawaii, Oklahoma)
16 Nicky Nieves (MB/OH, 5-10, Kissimmee, Fla., Florida)
18 Courtney Baker (OH, 5-9, Crofton, Ky., Pioneer)

Head Coach: Bill Hamiter
Assistant Coach: Michelle Goodall
Assistant Coach: Jeffery Hicks
Athletic Trainer: Kat King
Team Manager: Patrick Lawrence
Sport Psychologist: Adam O’Neil

U.S. Women’s Sitting Team Schedule for the World Championship
(Subject to change; All times CT)

Nov. 4: USA def Iran 3-1 (25-13, 25-12, 20-25, 25-16)
Nov. 6: USA def Canada 3-2 (22-25, 25-22, 21-25, 25-12, 15-7)
Nov. 7: USA def Slovenia 3-0 (25-12, 25-15, 25-17)
Nov. 9: Quarterfinals: USA def Germany 3-0 (25-10, 25-14, 25-9)
Nov. 10 Semifinals: Brazil def USA 3-0 (25-23, 25-18, 25-17)
Nov. 11 Bronze: USA def Slovenia 3-0 (25-8, 25-14, 25-10)