On the final day of the Tokyo Summer Olympics, the U.S. women’s volleyball team did something it had never done before: win a gold medal. The squad defeated Brazil 3-0 (25-21, 25-20, 25-14) at Ariake Arena.
It was the sixth volleyball medal for the United States. It had previously won three silver and two bronze and it was the fourth Olympics in a row that the U.S. had medaled. But this was the most complete effort of any previous team. The U.S. lost just one of its eight matches in Tokyo.
“Growth. It’s all about growing. No matter what happens, whether you win or whether you lose every game, it’s all about growing and getting better,” said U.S. player Haleigh Washington. “We did that so well, and by the end, we were executing and I think we did an amazing job of that execution and doing what we do best, which is playing USA volleyball, baby.”
Like the U.S., Brazil entered this match undefeated at these Olympics winning its seven previous times. “Unfortunately, today was our moment to feel defeat and it hurts like hell but I’m very proud of everything we’ve done,” said Fernanda Rodrigues who won silver and was playing in her final Olympics for the Brazilian national team.
For the U.S., Annie Drews led the scoring for the team with 15 points. Michelle Bartsch-Hackley added 14 and Jordan Larson scored 12.
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