Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 - Volleyball

Drews and Larson drive United States semifinal victory

USA to play for their first-ever Olympic gold medal

Published 05:31, 06 Aug 2021

The United States recorded a 3-0 (25-19, 25-15, 25-23) win over Serbia on Friday in the semifinals to progress to the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 women’s gold medal match at the Ariake Arena. They will take on the winners of the day's second semifinal between Brazil and Korea on Sunday.

USA and Serbia also met in a Rio 2016 Olympic semifinal match, when Serbia triumphed against USA 3-2 (20–25, 25–17, 25–21, 16–25, 15–13). Serbia went on to win silver and USA bronze.

USA have now played in the semifinals for a fourth consecutive time and progressed to the gold medal match three times since 2008. In their last 11 appearances at the Olympic Games, they have won three silver medals and two bronze medals. The Olympic gold is the only missing medal in their collection.

Annie Drews and Jordan Larson inspired the USA win with well-rounded performances. Drews collected her 17 points from 12 attacks, two blocks and three aces, while captain Larson added 15 markers off 11 attacks, two blocks and two aces. The Serbian offence was powered by Tijana Boskovic who made 16 kills and three blocks.

This is the whole pursuit. We are committed to this four-year process and in this case it’s five years. All our eyes are on the gold. It influences every decision we make and every ounce of who we are. To be here is surreal and I know we feel very capable. Annie Drews

Boskovic scored the first two points in the first set, but the USA frontline responded with five straight points, including three from Bartsch-Hackley that gave USA a 5-2 lead.

Boskovic stopped the USA run with her third point, but the USA attackers responded quickly with their own attacking run and great defence. Bartsch-Hackley and Drews scored six points apiece to outscore the Serbian scorers led by Boskovic, who also had six.

USA maintained their rhythm in the second set and led early against the Serbians. Boskovic did not let that slide and helped her team keep up with the opponents’ tempo as she attacked relentlessly against the blockers.

The USA advantage widened as the entire unit put on a great effort in all areas with Drews in the forefront of offence. USA gained a 2-0 set lead with a comfortable 25-15 victory in the second frame.

Serbia managed to stay within striking distance as the USA committed several errors in the third set. USA setter Jordyn Poulter scored on some defensive gems at the net that suddenly gave the momentum and the lead back to USA at 16-13.

USA led at 21-17, but Boskovic fought hard to cut the lead down to two points with an attack and a block. Drews and Washington weakened the Serbian defence with their attacks, and the two front row players took USA to match point, when a swing from Larson on the left-flank was blocked out, completing a sweep by USA at 25-23.

We are all disappointed because we didn’t play to our level. However, we are together whether in wins or losses, and a bronze win would still be a win for me. So we will do our best in our next match. Tijana Boskovic

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