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Emy Ntekpere jumps into the record books – The Observer

Emy Ntekpere is finishing her second year at Central and has already written her name not only in Central Washington University’s Track and Field record book but also in the Great Northwest Athletic Conference’s (GNAC) and National Collegiate Athletic Association’s Division II (NCAA DII) record books. In 2025 alone, Ntekpere won the Women’s GNAC Athlete […]

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Emy Ntekpere is finishing her second year at Central and has already written her name not only in Central Washington University’s Track and Field record book but also in the Great Northwest Athletic Conference’s (GNAC) and National Collegiate Athletic Association’s Division II (NCAA DII) record books. In 2025 alone, Ntekpere won the Women’s GNAC Athlete of the year in both Indoor and Outdoor Track and Field, won three national championships, won four individual gold medals at the GNAC Outdoor Championships (the first woman to do so in the league’s history), and has broken three school records along with two GNAC records. In 2024, Ntekpere won GNAC’s Indoor Track and Field Female Freshman of the Year award.

Ntekpere’s record breaking feats started in High School at Washington State’s Skyview High School where in her senior year, Ntekpere placed third in the school’s all time 100 meter hurdle and 300 meter hurdle. While current athletes have placed ahead of her in both hurdle events, Ntekpere set the school’s record for High Jump that still stands at the time of writing. Ntekpere never planned on continuing her Track and Field career to the collegiate level until June of 2023. “I kind of thought after high school, that would just be it,” Ntekpere said. “Then I get a call from a college and I’m like ‘oh my gosh, I can still keep doing track’… it was like a dream come true for me.”

While the opportunity was beyond exciting, Ntekpere knew the challenges it would bring. “The competition is obviously much harder,” Ntekpere said.

Emy Ntekpere celebrating National Championship win on March 15.

“When I was in High School, it was kind of easier until I got to state [competitions]. But now it’s hard all the time, and I always have competition. And that’s really good, I’m always being pushed constantly. So I just really love that I can come to college and still do what I love.” 

Despite being outside of the top three of the Triple Jump event only twice, Ntekpere never competed in the Triple Jump at Skyview. It was at CWU where the 5-foot-7-inch sophomore discovered her hidden talent. “It was kind of crazy because I was like ‘okay, I like to jump, so I’ll do these jumps anyways, and see how it goes.’ Like it was kind of fun for me because I’ve never done it before but I actually turned out to be pretty good,” Ntekpere said. Since starting the Triple Jump event for the first time last year, Ntekpere has already broken both the CWU record and the GNAC record.

On May 22, The Observer released a story recapping the events of the GNAC Outdoor championship. During their respective interviews, freshman David Brown, sophomore Lauryn McGough, and junior Carley Huber all gave a shout out to Ntekpere, showing the overwhelming amount of support the Track and Field team has for the sophomore Sprinter. Ntekpere responded to the shoutout during her interview, specifically Huber. “They make you better in all types of ways, in and out of sports, especially Carley [Huber],” Ntekpere said. “She is somebody I met last year and I didn’t know how big of an impact she would have on me… They’re amazing support systems. Every single [teammate]. All of them are going to be in my heart always.” Ntekpere went on to describe how even when teammates couldn’t make the event, they would still text her plenty of support and keep up with every result as they were announced.

Success does not come without fear however. Many great athletes become afraid that they’ve reached their peak once they taste success and Ntekpere isn’t an exception. “I am afraid [this is the peak],” Ntekpere said. “But I don’t know, ever since I was little, I just had this feeling each year is just gonna be better than the year before. I thought last year was my peak, honestly.  Then this year came. As long as you have the mindset of the work’s not done yet… you’ll never feel like you’re at your peak.”

Emy Ntekpere in the air.

Ntekpere finished this year with the GNAC Field Athlete of the Year for both indoor and outdoor competition. She also won three national championships, two for outdoor and one for indoor.

For preparation of the various meets, invitationals, and championships through the year, Ntekpere has plenty of superstitions but regardless, she pushes through. “I try to tell myself, it’s gonna be a great day regardless of what you do and how you feel. You just have to trust yourself,” Ntekpere said. “No matter what happens, I’m still a great athlete, and I can accomplish a lot of things.”

Earlier in the quarter, The Observer did an investigative piece on the Track and Field coaches and the difference of their relationships between the top athletes and the rest. According to Ntekpere, there is little difference. “They care about us in all types of ways,” Ntekpere said. “Sure, there may not be as much focus, but [the coaches] treat us all with the same amount of respect and time and friendship.”

While Ntekpere plans to rest and practice her workouts over the summer, she left a message for all the CWU students. “I’m proud of all of the Wildcats that are here, that are in athletics or not. Everybody is here doing something, they’re all on a mission. I’m so proud of everyone here at CWU. They’re all doing great, fantastic things and they’re all trying their hardest and that’s all you can really ask for.” Ntekpere will be returning to CWU in the fall quarter to start her junior year.



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Florida Atlantic University Athletics

BOCA RATON, Fla. – Florida Atlantic volleyball is building up for a big season in 2025, bolstering its roster for the upcoming season with new talent, bringing in four experienced transfers and four talented freshmen.   “We’re excited to welcome this wonderful group to our FAU Volleyball family,” expressed Head Coach Fernanda Nelson. “Not only are they […]

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BOCA RATON, Fla. – Florida Atlantic volleyball is building up for a big season in 2025, bolstering its roster for the upcoming season with new talent, bringing in four experienced transfers and four talented freshmen.
 
“We’re excited to welcome this wonderful group to our FAU Volleyball family,” expressed Head Coach Fernanda Nelson. “Not only are they talented, but they’re also high-character individuals who are passionate about being here. They’re going to make an immediate impact and raise the level of our gym on day one. With the strong foundation we already have, this class brings added depth, talent, and intensity. They’re ready to contribute to our success right away.”

 

Anna Hartman
RS | Jr. | 6-3 | Murfreesboro, Tenn. | Rutgers
Hartman, a native of Murfreesboro, Tenn., joins the Owls after playing her first two seasons at Rutgers. In two years, Hartman competed in all 57 matches, playing in 178 sets and making 19 starts for the Scarlet Knights. In 2024, Hartman tallied 165 kills, averaging 1.77 per set, and recorded 45 blocks. She recorded a season-high 12 kills against North Texas and tallied a career-high six blocks twice vs. Little Rock and at Maryland. As a freshman, Hartman averaged 1.55 kills per set, posting a career-best 17 kills in a five-set win at Iowa. She also hit a season-best .407 with 12 kills in a top 25 win over No. 16 Minnesota.
 
Prior to arriving in New Brunswick, Hartman was a four-year letterwinner at Providence Christian Academy. Throughout her high school career, she earned numerous awards, including AAU National All-Star, First Team All-District, All-Region Tournament Team, and All-District Tournament Team. In addition to her high school career, Hartman played club volleyball with Tennessee Performance Volleyball. She earned a third-place finish with TPV at AAU Nationals.

 

Kierstin Bevelle
OH/RS | Fr. | 5-11 | Orlando, Fla. | Lake Highland Prep
Bevelle, from Orlando, Florida, arrives in Paradise after playing her freshman season at Apopka High School and spending three years with Lake Highland Prep. Bevelle earned numerous honors during her prep career, including FACA District 1-3A Player of the Year, FACA All-State, AVCA All-Region, Orlando Sentinel All-Area First Team, and being named twice to the AVCA Phenom Watch List. With the Highlanders, Bevelle won a state title, made three state semifinal appearances, and won three region and district titles. She recorded 797 kills and 794 digs in her career with the Highlanders, including a career-best 289 digs and 266 kills during her senior season.
 
In addition to her high school career, Bevelle also competed at the club level with Otva Volleyball.

 

Emsley Venard
S | Fr. | 6-0 | Cincinnati, Ohio | Saint Ursula Academy
Venard, a native of Cincinnati, Ohio, joins the Owls following her high school career at Saint Ursula Academy.
 
Venard was a four-year letterwinner at Saint Ursula Academy. During her senior season, she helped lead the Bulldogs to a 2024 State Championship, while also winning their conference, district, and region championships. She dished out 918 assists, while also recording 229 digs, 53 kills, 46 service aces, and 23 blocks. As a junior, Venard helped Saint Ursula win the 2023 District Championship and finished the season as the 2023 Region Runner-up. She recorded 940 assists, 243 digs, 39 kills, 32 service aces, and 29 blocks. Venard also captured a District Championship in 2022 during her sophomore campaign.
 
In addition to her high school career, Venard also competed in club volleyball with Northern Kentucky Youth Volleyball Club (NKYVC).

 

Ana Brasil
MB | Fr. | 6-3 | Cafelandia, Brazil | Colegio Estadual Doutor Gastao Vidigal
Brasil, a native of Cafelandia, Brazil, joins the Owls after playing with Colegio Estadual Doutor Gastao Vidigal. Brasil joined the team this spring and competed with the Owls during their spring schedule.
 

Brooke McCall
OH | Fr. | 6-1 | Charlotte, N.C. | Charlotte Country Day School
McCall, from Charlotte, N.C., joins the Owls from Charlotte Country Day School. With the Buccaneers, McCall earned numerous accolades, including two-time All-State and All-Conference honoree, in addition to being named an AVCA Phenom twice, and being named twice to the Prep Volleyball watchlist, Junior Volleyball Association watchlist, and twice being named an Under Armour UA Next Invite Athlete. McCall was also named to the Prep Dig Big South Tournament 17 Open Dream Team, awarded PrepVolleyball Beast of the Southeast Tournament Player of the Week, and was a member of the CUVC 17 Open team that ranked as the 11th best team in the nation at nationals in Las Vegas. During her junior season, McCall broke the school record for most kills and highest hitting percentage. She recorded 724 kills over her high school career, including a season-high 250 kills during her senior season.
 
In addition to her high school career, McCall also played club volleyball with Carolina Union Volleyball Club and Carolina Juniors Volleyball.

 

Erin Morrissey
OH | Gr. | 6-3 | Tampa, Fla. | Maryland
Morrissey, from Tampa, Florida, joins the Owls after playing the last five seasons with Maryland. Morrissey competed in 62 sets over 25 matches and made nine starts for the Terrapins. In 2023, Morrissey competed in a career-best 45 sets over 18 matches and made eight starts. She set numerous single-season records, including kills (79), kills per set (1.76), digs (45), total blocks (14), and service aces (4). Morrissey recorded a career-high 12 kills and tied a career-best two blocks in a win over Ohio State. During her redshirt sophomore season, Morrissey tallied a career-best 14 digs against Purdue and posted a season-high eight kills at Wisconsin. She also registered a career-best two service aces against Ohio State.
 
Morrissey played her prep career at Plant High School. The four-time district and regional champion helped lead the Panthers to a state runner-up finish in 2018 and a state semifinal appearance in 2020. As a dual-sport athlete, Morrissey was also a two-year letterwinner and won a district championship on the tennis team.

 

Zoe Winford
L/DS | Jr. | 5-9 | Nevada, Texas | Georgia Tech
Winford, a native of Nevada, Texas, joins the Owls after playing the last two seasons at Georgia Tech.
 
In two seasons with the Yellowjackets, Winford competed in six sets over five matches. She has averaged 0.67 digs per set through two seasons in Atlanta.
 
Prior to Georgia Tech, Zoe was a four-year varsity player at Highland Park High School. She was an academic all-state honoree and won two club volleyball national championships during her prep career.

 

Libby Ashline
MB | Jr. | 6-1 | Melbourne, Fla. | Eastern Florida State College
Ashline, a native of Melbourne, Florida, joins the Owls after playing the last two seasons at Eastern Florida State College.
 
Ashline played in 98 sets over 35 matches during her two seasons with the Titans. With the Titans, Ashline averaged 1.74 kills per set with a .319 hitting clip, to go along with 0.87 blocks per set, 0.77 digs per set, and 0.37 service aces per set. She was named First Team All-Conference during the 2024 season.
 
Prior to Eastern Florida, Ashline was a four-year letterwinner at Melbourne High School and was a two-time MVP with the Bulldogs. As a senior, Ashline played in 53 sets, recording 142 kills and hitting .300, in addition to adding 63 blocks and 25 assists. During her junior season, she competed in a career-high 64 sets, tallying 141 kills, 131 blocks, including a career-best 68 solo blocks, 42 digs, and 12 assists. As a sophomore, she played in 29 sets, recording 84 kills on a .360 hitting clip, while also adding 51 blocks and 11 assists.
 
In addition to her high school career, Ashline also played at the club level with Spirit, VolleyTech, and Countdown.
 
FOLLOW THE OWLS
For updates, follow @FAUVolleyball on X and Instagram, or like FAU Volleyball on Facebook.
 





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SJSU’s Avinash Iyer Wins NCGA Amateur Stroke Play Championship at Poppy Hills – SJSU Athletics – Official Athletics Website

PEBBLE BEACH, Calif. – In a dramatic conclusion to three days of high-level amateur golf, San José State senior Avinash Iyer captured the NCGA (Northern California Golf Association) Amateur Stroke Play Championship at Poppy Hills Golf Course in Pebble Beach. Ken Venturi was the last SJSU men’s golfer to capture the title in 1952. Championship Highlights: […]

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PEBBLE BEACH, Calif. – In a dramatic conclusion to three days of high-level amateur golf, San José State senior Avinash Iyer captured the NCGA (Northern California Golf Association) Amateur Stroke Play Championship at Poppy Hills Golf Course in Pebble Beach. Ken Venturi was the last SJSU men’s golfer to capture the title in 1952.

Championship Highlights:

  • Final Score: 9-under-par 204 (Rounds of 68-67-69)
  • Winning Margin: Two strokes over NCGA veteran Matt Cohn
  • Key Moment: On the 18th hole, tied at 8-under: 
    • Both players found the left fairway bunker off the tee
    • Cohn’s second shot clipped the lip of the bunker and came up short
  • Iyer hit a perfect 5-iron from 197 yards to 30 feet
  • Iyer two-putted for birdie; Cohn made bogey
  • Iyer was caddied by his father, Lalith Iyer
  • Iyer surged into the lead during the second round with a 67
  • Cohn, chasing his seventh NCGA title, opened with a record 64 but could not hold the lead
  • Cohn finished at 206 (64-73-69), including an eagle on 10 and a birdie on 11 in the final round
  • Past SJSU Champions: Eli Bariteau (1949), Venturi (1951, 52)

#AllSpartans



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Ellinwood summer volleyball wins Kearney title

KEARNEY, Neb. —The Ellinwood Eagles varsity volleyball team closed out the summer in championship style, taking home the Nebraska-Kearney A Division team camp title. Ellinwood survived elite competition from Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, South Dakota and Nebraska. Competing in the A Division against some of the Midwest’s toughest varsity squads, the Eagles soared to a 14-2 […]

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KEARNEY, Neb. —The Ellinwood Eagles varsity volleyball team closed out the summer in championship style, taking home the Nebraska-Kearney A Division team camp title.

Ellinwood survived elite competition from Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, South Dakota and Nebraska.

Competing in the A Division against some of the Midwest’s toughest varsity squads, the Eagles soared to a 14-2 pool play record, earning the No. 1 seed heading into the prestigious Gold Bracket.

Ellinwood defeated perennial contender Kearney Catholic and Hays in two sets each to cap off an impressive summer run.

“The girls built more intensity and focus with each match,” said Ellinwood volleyball coach Greg Maxwell. “This group has grown tremendously. To come away as UNK camp champions is a huge accomplishment and confidence boost heading into the fall.”

Maxwell said Ellinwood’s seniors have stepped up.

“Our seniors have been excellent on-and-off the court this summer,” he said. “With improvements each year, the girls achieved their 4-year goal to win this camp championship. We’re very proud of them.”

Maxwell believes with the leadership, depth, and determination on full display throughout camp, the Eagles have solidified themselves for a 2A state volleyball run in the fall.

Ellinwood (42-5) placed fourth in 2A after losing 25-22, 25-17 to state champion Shawnee Maranatha and 25-21, 16-25, 25-18 to Inman for third place.



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Huskies Cap 2024-25 Academic Year With 3.48 GPA

Story Links SEATTLE – For the ninth-straight quarter, University of Washington student-athletes earned a grade-point average that exceeded 3.35. The Huskies concluded the 2024-25 academic year with a 3.48 GPA, just shy of the record 3.49 GPA from winter quarter. All 22 teams earned a 3.0 or higher team GPA […]

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SEATTLE – For the ninth-straight quarter, University of Washington student-athletes earned a grade-point average that exceeded 3.35. The Huskies concluded the 2024-25 academic year with a 3.48 GPA, just shy of the record 3.49 GPA from winter quarter. All 22 teams earned a 3.0 or higher team GPA for the fourth consecutive quarter.
 
 
Highlights of Spring Quarter:

  • 236 student-athletes made Dean’s List (3.50+ quarter GPA in 12+ numerically graded credits)

  • 469 student-athletes earned a 3.0 or better (86%)

  • 26 student-athletes earned a perfect 4.0 GPA (minimum 12 graded credits or final quarter, does not include students that changed to satisfactory/not satisfactory grading or who have outstanding/incomplete/no credit grades)

  • 14 teams earned a 3.50 GPA or higher (Women’s Basketball, Beach Volleyball, Women’s Cross Country, Men’s Golf, Women’s Golf, Gymnastics, Women’s Rowing, Women’s Soccer, Softball, Men’s Tennis, Women’s Tennis, Women’s Track & Field – Indoor, Women’s Track & Field – Outdoor, Volleyball)

  • Gymnastics led all teams with a 3.73 team GPA

  • Small team high GPAs (less than 20 student-athletes): Gymnastics and Men’s Golf

  • Large team high GPAs (20+ student-athletes): Women’s Track & Field – Outdoor and Men’s Track & Field – Outdoor

  • Most improved teams from Winter 2025: Men’s Tennis and Beach Volleyball

 
About Washington Athletics
Washington athletic teams have claimed 56 team national championships across 11 different sports, beginning with its first titles in 1923 in men’s rowing and women’s rifle, and counting its most recent national championship, also in men’s rowing (2024). Traditions of Washington Athletics include 320 Olympians and Paralympians, originating The Wave during the third quarter of a 1981 football game, the familiar Huskies nickname in 1922, and its iconic Sailgating activities and encompassing view at what is known as The Greatest Setting in college football.
 





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Lambert cooking up a storm for Stingers in and out of water

It took just one bite of the wicked concoction Aussie Stingers water polo player Alexie Lambert whipped up from blended butterscotch fingers, melted butter, sweetened condensed milk and dark chocolate to make her an instant squad favourite.                                                                                                                                                                                               If the caramel slices she shared with her teammates at their first training session the first week of training wasn’t […]

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It took just one bite of the wicked concoction Aussie Stingers water polo player Alexie Lambert whipped up from blended butterscotch fingers, melted butter, sweetened condensed milk and dark chocolate to make her an instant squad favourite.                                                                                                                                                                                              

If the caramel slices she shared with her teammates at their first training session the first week of training wasn’t enough, then the aroma of Lambert’s scrumptious lamb dinner wafting down the corridor of the squad’s accommodation during the Stingers pre-world championships camp on the Gold Coast made her the athlete everyone wanted to room with.

Lambert laughs when told her reputation as a master cook, awesome baker, and tough as teak competitor precedes her. However, in the next breath, the 22-year-old confessed her extraordinary cooking and baking prowess is a tried and proven treatment for her to unwind.

“I hadn’t roomed with any of the girls before, so I just started baking,” she said. “I often use cooking and baking to relax and not think about water polo. I made a caramel slice for everyone in the first week we were away.

“And when I’m training with the New South Wales Institute of Sport (NSWIS) squad I like to put on a podcast while I bake a batch of cookies or cupcakes for the girls. 

“A few people have suggested I do it for a career, but I cook and bake things like lemon blondie brownies because I love doing it. It’s something I don’t feel pressured about. It just makes me happy.”

And, despite the frustration of a stubborn shoulder injury that stifled Lambert’s international career, she’s just as enthusiastic when professing her love for water polo. This deep seated passion even motivated her to change schools when she was halfway through Year Eight at Warner’s Bay High School (in Newcastle).

She decided to attend Lambton High because it was within walking distance to the local swimming pool, the place where Lambert finetuned her water polo skills. 

Even at a young age she did it with such purpose the renowned coach, Brett Arnold, a former Australian representative who has dedicated his energies to helping young players from regional NSW to shine, saw a young athlete blessed with the rare combination of heart, talent, and drive.

“Being able to walk to the pool meant I didn’t need anyone to drive me there, and I’d stay for all the training sessions: the men’s session, women’s session, and they’d usually finish when the pool closed at 7:30pm,” she said.

“I loved it; still do. I appreciate the supportive coaches I’ve had, as well as the people water polo has introduced me to. Someone I really care about, Brett Arnold, was one of my first coaches and he put the thought in my head that I could do something and be something if I put the effort in.

“Hearing that meant a lot. It meant someone believed in me. While I still keep in contact with Brett, I left Newcastle after I finished year 10. Mum said I needed to have a school certificate and driver’s license before I moved to Sydney, and I headed off as soon as I got them.”

Lambert (photographed above in 2022) moved south where; after moving in to live with her father, she joined Sydney University’s junior program. In between gruelling training sessions, she made a living by running swimming classes and coaching schoolgirl water polo. 

After becoming a NSWIS scholarship holder Lambert says she was influenced by a succession of great coaches: Mel Rippon, Bec Rippon – now her Stingers Head Coach – current NSWIS program Head Coach Neven Cirkovic and Assistant Coach Jackie Northam. 

“I built a support system at NSWIS,” said Lambert. “The coaches are all different, but they helped push me along. When Bec came into the picture she became a massive supporter [of mine] 

“Bec is something else . . . amazing . . . gives me tingles to think of how she’s helped me. But all the coaches have been very passionate. They’ll do anything for anyone they care about – and they care about all of us so much.” 

Lambert is back in Australia’s battle colours two years after making her debut against the powerhouse USA in Brisbane. As far as she’s aware there’s no vision of the match but admits whenever she replays her memories of that match in her mind’s lens she still shakes with nerves.

“I was definitely very, very nervous to say the least,” she says of her debut. “It was a wild experience, and I definitely wasn’t in the same place I am now. I think I’m much better prepared for this experience.

“That first game was very daunting, very tense. Though, I’d played [in Newcastle] with one of the girls from the USA team, Rachel Fatal, so it was so cool to be able to play against [the two-time Olympic gold medallist]. 

“I vividly recall lining up before the game and hearing everyone’s name read out before singing the national anthem. There’s nothing you can compare it to; I get tingles, goosebumps, thinking about it even now.”

Lambert felt a similar jolt of emotion when she made her long awaited return to the Australian team in a recent World Cup match against China. With China leading 11-10, a Lambert rocket levelled the score before Australia celebrated a 16-14 victory.  

“[After I scored the goal] I was like: ‘Okay. I just scored, now get back to halfway, just get back to halfway. Now, what’s next? Go back and defend and don’t let them score.’ I didn’t really get a chance to think about that goal until after the match and, obviously, I was very, very happy.”

Lambert’s success is hailed by her supporters as just reward for the resilience she displayed in returning from the shoulder injury that cost her time in the water, and numerous opportunities to represent Australia. 

She admitted that, after the battle she waged to return to the Stingers, there aren’t words that can possibly describe how it felt to see her name in the World Aquatics Championships squad. Australia’s campaign kicked with the Stingers stinging host nation Singapore 32-2 in their opening match and then ????? Italy ??-??

“Definitely shocked,” she says, still excited. “It was a different feeling to last year when I was told I wasn’t going to play for a while [through injury]. I sat out on the stairs outside NSWIS bawling my eyes out. I called my mum, and she was like: ‘you’ve either got to lock in or quit. And I was like, ‘okay’.

“I’m just so happy I gave it my all. It’s paid off.”

And there’s no doubt her teammates are as well. After all the lioness-hearted Lambert has been through they’d be wanting her to continue enjoying the sweet taste of success . . . in and outside the pool.

  FAST FACTS, ALEXIE LAMBERT

  • Lambert enjoyed completing a four month pathology and blood collection course at TAFE.  
  • While it’s hard to secure a job in that field due to her training and playing commitments, Lambert likes the idea of making people comfortable in what can be, for some, something they dread – needles! 
  • She works for What Ability, a support service in which people with a disability are taken on outings.
  • Lambert’s first What Ability session was – perhaps unsurprisingly – at the local pool where the person she was with enjoyed throwing a water polo ball around.
  • Lambert played professional water polo for Petra in Greece and was stunned by the fanaticism of the spectators who took flares, flags and drums to matches: “We had the riot police at one match keeping the supporters apart.”



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U.S. Women’s Volleyball Rests Jordyn Poulter, Drops Final Prelim Match

Team USA volleyball simply can’t lose – at least, it seems impossible with former Illini star Jordyn Poulter at setter. But when she doesn’t play, it has been a whole different story. The Americans clinched a spot in the VNL Finals in Poland on Saturday after beating Canada in five sets, but on Sunday they […]

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Team USA volleyball simply can’t lose – at least, it seems impossible with former Illini star Jordyn Poulter at setter. But when she doesn’t play, it has been a whole different story.

The Americans clinched a spot in the VNL Finals in Poland on Saturday after beating Canada in five sets, but on Sunday they elected not to play their starters against China. It probably cost them a win. Team USA won the first two sets comfortably before dropping the next three to finish eighth out of 18 teams in preliminary play.

The Americans finished preliminary play 7-5 overall, but they are 4-0 with Poulter as the team’s starting setter. And if Team USA has any chance of making a deep run 10 days from now in the VNL Finals, it needs Poulter, along with the rest of its starters, to play at the top of their game.

Moreover, the U.S. has a brutal first-round matchup against top-seeded Italy. The Italians are a perfect 12-0 and won eight of their matches via sweep. Team USA at full strength is good, but taking down Italy is going to be tough even with Poulter and the rest of the usual starters plugged in.

The VNL Finals in Poland begin on July 23. Quarterfinals play can be viewed on VBTV, Big Ten Network and CBS Sports Network.

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