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China delivered a stunning performance on home soil, upsetting the United States in a dramatic five-set thriller to advance to the Volleyball Nations League (VNL) semifinals. The packed arena in Macao roared as the number seven ranked Chinese team outlasted the top-seeded USA, securing their spot in the final four.
China Edges USA in Five-Set Epic
In a match that kept the 4,400 spectators on the edge of their seats, China secured a 3-2 victory over the United States with set scores of 15-25, 25-23, 25-20, 17-25, and 15-13. This marks China’s first VNL semifinal appearance since 2023, while the three-time VNL champions USA will miss the semifinals for the third consecutive time.
The Americans dominated the opening set, led by Dana Rettke’s strong presence at the net and an ace from Jordan Thompson sealing the 25-15 win. However, China fought back in the second set. Despite the USA holding a four-point lead, China rallied to level the score and eventually took the set 25-23, with Zhuang Yushan delivering key kills.
Set three saw a competitive battle until the midway point. China then established a five-point lead and closed the set 25-20. The USA responded forcefully in the fourth set, building a significant advantage and forcing a decider with a 25-17 win. The fifth set was a tense affair, with China twice coming back from three-point deficits before seizing control after an 11-11 tie. An 18-year-old Wang Aoqian finished the match with a kill through the middle for the 15-13 victory.
Key Performances and Stats
China demonstrated superior efficiency in the decisive moments, committing fewer unforced errors than the USA (20 vs. 26). They also held an edge in net defense, with 9 kill blocks compared to the USA’s 7. Zhuang Yushan led the Chinese offense with 17 points, including an ace and a block. Captain Gong Xiangyu contributed 15 points, while Tang Xin added 13 and Wang Yuanyuan chipped in with 12.
Semifinal Showdown Set
With this significant victory, China has earned a semifinal berth and is set to face Turkiye on Saturday. Turkiye also advanced to the semifinals after a comeback 3-1 victory over Canada, powered by Melissa Vargas’s 27 points. The other semifinal will feature Brazil, who defeated Japan 3-1, against defending champions Italy.
Why it matters
This quarterfinal upset highlights the competitive depth in the VNL and China’s resurgence on the international stage, especially on home soil. The loss ends USA’s bid for a fourth VNL title and sets up an exciting semifinal clash between China and Turkiye.
Sources: Volleyball World (https://en.volleyballworld.com/volleyball/competitions/volleyball-nations-league/news/over-four-thousand-cheer-on-as-china-outlast-usa-on-way-to-vnl-semis)
