The U.S. Girls U19 National Team, the defending world champions, kicked off their 2025 FIVB Girls U19 World Championship campaign with a spirited performance against Spain, securing a 3-1 win on Wednesday in Osijek, Croatia.
With this victory, the U.S. team now holds a record of 1-0 in the tournament, and they are set to face Peru next on Thursday, July 3, at 12:15 p.m. PT.
In a match marked by competitive play, the United States demonstrated its strength through impressive statistics, leading in kills (42-34), service aces (11-3), and blocks (15-8).
A standout in the match was middle blocker Gabrielle Nichols, who tallied 14 points, contributing nine kills, four blocks, and one ace. Outside hitter Cari Spears was also crucial, leading the team with 13 kills and an ace to finish her night with 14 points.
Genevieve Harris, the team’s setter, orchestrated the offense while also making her mark with a block and two aces.
Harris expressed the pride her team feels in representing their country. “The feeling of wearing the flag across our chest is unmatched. We had a battle in the first match, but we are now onto processing our mistakes, celebrating the coups and improving our overall game to be prepared for the next challenge,” she stated.
Opposite Henley Anderson emerged as a defensive force, recording a match-high five blocks alongside seven kills for a total of 12 points. Meanwhile, middle Jordan Taylor contributed 10 points with five kills, three blocks, and two aces.
The first set began positively for the U.S. as they quickly raced to a 10-5 lead. However, following a timeout, Spain responded aggressively, scoring eight of the next nine points to take the lead. The set featured multiple lead changes, and Spain ultimately clinched it, marking the only set the U.S. would drop.
Nichols made a significant contribution in the first set with three blocks and one kill, while Kelly Kinney added three points from kills.
In the second set, with a close score of 8-7, the U.S. ignited an impressive 10-2 run to establish a commanding nine-point lead. Devyn Wiest played a vital role during this stretch, serving for six consecutive points, including two aces. Taylor also made her presence felt with four points from kills, blocks, and aces, while Spears led all players with four kills.
The third set saw the U.S. start on an energetic note, as an emphatic kill from Nichols put them ahead 6-1. Although Spain managed to come within five points at 10-5, the U.S. maintained their composure, and a Taylor ace capped a 4-1 run that pushed their lead to 14-6. The set became increasingly one-sided as the U.S. continued to dominate, with Nichols and Spears each contributing four kills.
In the fourth set, Spain looked ready to force a decisive fifth set, capturing a lead at 19-14. However, the U.S. showcased its resilience by rallying with a 9-2 run, powered by strong blocking. This surge allowed them to reclaim the lead at 23-21.
During this pivotal stretch, Anderson’s contributions included three blocks and three kills, adding up to six points. Nichols was instrumental as well, scoring four points on three kills and a block. Spears also played a critical role, serving four points during the run, including a key ace that brought the score to 19-18.
The U.S. team is now looking forward to their upcoming challenge against Peru, while they continue to build on their strengths and refine their strategies throughout the tournament.
2025 U19 National Team Roster for World Championship:
The roster features a talented group of athletes including Jordan Taylor, Lily Hayes, Suli Davis, and Gabrielle Nichols, among others. The team is coached by Keegan Cook, with assistance from Alyssa D’Errico, April Sanchez, and performance analyst Jon Wong.
As the U.S. team progresses through the tournament, their focus remains on unity and performance as they seek to defend their title at the 2025 FIVB Girls U19 World Championship.
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