Jen Flynn Sets Team USA To Upset Of Top-Ranked Russia at Volleyball World Championships – Ohio State Buckeyes
8/31/2002 12:00:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
Aug. 31, 2002
COLUMBUS, Ohio – The seventh time proved to be the charm for the United States.
After six losses in six matches against Russia in the 2002 season, the U.S. women’s national volleyball team found payback in a big way Saturday night by posting a stunning 3-2 win over the world’s No. 1-ranked team on the second day of the 2002 Women’s Volleyball World Championships at Sachsen Arena.
“Of course this victory gives us a boost, perhaps even more energy for the upcoming matches – especially bearing in mind that we didn’t have a long preparation for the World Championship,” said Team USA head coach Toshi Yoshida. “However, I want to remind you that we’re still in the first round.”
Former Ohio State setter/outside hitter Jen Flynn was the starting setter for Team USA.
“Tonight was a great team win. The atmosphere on the court was awesome,” said starting setter Jen Flynn (Pittsburgh, Pa./Ohio State). “Everyone came to win tonight and you could see it in everyone’s eyes. Our blocking and defense were keys to the victory. It’s always great to win against a team like Russia, but it’s only the beginning. We have to maintain this focus as we continue through this tournament.”
Russia, one of the favorites to win the World Championship, won a pair of prestigious tournaments earlier this summer – the Montreux Volley Masters in Switzerland in June and the World Grand Prix in Hong Kong earlier this month – to solidify its hold on the world’s No. 1 ranking. The Russians won a pair of five-set matches against the United States at the Grand Prix in pool play after taking all four meetings when the U.S. played a friendly series in Moscow and Tula immediately following the Montreux Volley Masters in June.
On paper, the Americans figure to be favored in their remaining three Pool C matches against the Dominican Republic (tomorrow), Puerto Rico (Monday) and Kenya (Tuesday). But in order to advance to the second round it must avoid a letdown following Saturday’s monumental win and beat the teams it is supposed to beat.
