McCage, Hentz Post Strong Performances for Team USA in VNL Opener
The U.S. Women’s National Team kicked off Volleyball Nations League play with a tall task: facing world No. 1 Italy in the opening round in Rio de Janeiro.
Italy asserted its dominance early, sweeping the match with scores of 25-13, 25-13, 30-28. But in the final set, Athletes Unlimited Pro Volleyball standouts Molly McCage and Morgan Hentz played key roles in Team USA’s ability to push back against the Italian squad.
The U.S. created a seven-point lead in the final frame, with McCage delivering a strong all-around performance at the net. She finished with a team-high four blocks and eight total block touches.
Her most crucial moment came late in the third, with Italy sitting on match point. McCage kept the U.S. alive with a clutch kill to the deep left corner, sparking a final push that saw the Americans tie the set three more times before falling 30-28. She also added three kills over the course of the match.
McCage’s play complemented outside hitter Sarah Franklin, who led Team USA with nine kills.
In the back row, libero Morgan Hentz anchored the defense with a team-best eight digs. Italy largely avoided her on serve receive and limited her passing opportunities, but when targeted, Hentz kept the U.S. in system nearly every time.
Hentz tallied 16 receptions, while Franklin carried the largest load on serve receive with 23.
Despite the loss, Team USA displayed flashes of the potential it could reach once the squad gains more time together on the court. The team’s next opportunity will come on Thursday at 8 p.m. ET against the home team, Brazil.
Up next for Team USA (Eastern time):
- June 5 at 8 p.m. vs. Brazil
- June 6 at 8 p.m. vs. Czechia
- June 8 at 4 p.m. vs. Korea
Siera Jones is the digital media reporter at Athletes Unlimited. You can follow her on Instagram and X @sieraajones.
