Another straight-sets win for Americans

MANILA, Philippines — For five years, the United States had tried and failed to reclaim its old place at the helm of the women’s Volleyball Nations League.

The Americans are trying again this year and they look poised at achieving such a feat after crushing the hapless Czechs, 25-17, 25-12, 25-16, yesterday in the VNL Week 2 at the PhilSports Arena.

It was the second straight rout for the US after dumping Dominican Republic, 25-20, 25-19, 25-12, the day before in this VNL stop backed by the Philippine Sports Commission.

That sent the former Olympic and World Championship gold medalists, who had won the first three editions in 2018, 2019 and 2021, from fifth to second with 14 points in the provisional standings.

They’re barely behind the unbendable Brazilians, who continue to keep their lofty place.

And for the second straight day, Jordan Thompson, who is making the most out of her Philippine sortie after missing the first one four years ago due to COVID, led the scoring with 15 points she laced with 14 spikes.

Also coming through were Chiaka Ogbogu, Logan Eggleston and Avery Skinner, who chipped in 11, 11 and nine points, respectively.

Middle blocker Dana Rettke had a personal milestone as she breached the 300-point mark in the VNL and ended up with four hits, a couple off blocks.