USA, China stay unbeaten in tight race in Surabaya

The United States moved to the top of Pool standings on Saturday, sweeping Mexico 3-0 (25-19, 25-11, 25-18) to stay unbeaten and edge defending champions China on point ratio on a day that also featured four five-set thrillers at the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Women’s U21 World Championship, played across JAWA POS Arena, Gelora Pancasila and Samator Healthporia Volleyball Hall.

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USA’s victory was built on consistency and depth, with all starters contributing to the scoring. Halle Thompson shone with six kills, one block and five aces, and Jayden Robinson, Brooke Harwood, Taylor Stanley and Audrey Flanagan each chipped in seven points.

The Americans’ controlled net play and aggressive serving held Mexico to one double-digit scorer, Aylin Andrea Ravell Iglesias with 10 points. The result kept USA perfect in three matches and gave them the upper hand over China with their higher point ratio.

China, meanwhile, also logged three wins after a commanding 3-0 (25-11, 25-15, 25-11) win over the Dominican Republic. Captain Li Chenxuan delivered 14 points, including five aces, and Wang Aoqian added 10.

The defending champions were dominant in all scoring categories, outplaying their opponents 38-18, producing seven blocks and firing 12 aces. Their quick offense and precise serving forced the Dominican Republic into repeated errors, keeping the match firmly in China’s control.

Four matches went the distance on Day 3. In Pool B, Korea fought back from a 2-1 deficit to claim their first win, defeating Croatia 3-2 (10-25, 25-21, 16-25, 25-17, 15-11) behind 17 points from Ok Gwak Seon.

In Pool A, Puerto Rico overcame host Indonesia 3-2 (17-25, 28-26, 15-25, 25-23, 17-15) courtesy of the 30 points from Chareika Carrion Gonzalez, silencing the home crowd in a tense tiebreaker.

In Pool C, Merit Chinenyenwa Adigwe’s 31 points helped Italy outlast Poland 3-2 (25-23, 25-16, 21-25, 19-25, 15-4) to remain unbeaten, while in Pool D, Chile earned their first win by edging Bulgaria 3-2 (26-24, 19-25, 22-25, 25-14, 15-10), with Dominga Aylwin Debarca scoring 27 points.

Other teams keeping their records perfect after three matches include Argentina, Brazil, Japan and Vietnam.

Argentina beat Serbia 3-1 (25-18, 25-21, 19-25, 25-19) in Pool A, and Brazil swept Thailand 3-0 (25-13, 25-12, 25-14) behind Helena Wenk Hoengen’s 18 points and Juliana Palhano’s eight blocks. Japan beat Tunisia 3-0 (25-18, 25-13, 25-18) with Sae Omori and Mayu Watanabe combining for 28 points, and Vietnam extended their run with a 3-1 (25-19, 24-26, 25-19, 25-5) victory over Canada.

In other results, Türkiye also claimed a straight-sets win, defeating Egypt 3-0 (25-14, 25-10, 25-14), and Czechia claimed back-to-back wins with a 3-0 (25-22, 25-11, 25-14) sweep of Algeria in Pool C.

Sunday is a rest day, with action resuming Monday for the continuation of pool play.

2025 FIVB Volleyball Women’s U21 World Championship: full schedule

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