After grabbing the eighth and final ticket to the 2025 Volleyball Nations League knockout stages, Team USA’s journey is over. Coach Erik Sullivan’s strategy of shining the spotlight on young talents and debutants like Lexi Rodriguez resulted in some thrilling, close-contest wins. Unfortunately, defending champions Italy proved insurmountable, despite Team USA’s tenacity. Yet it’s fitting.
The 2025 VNL action started with the defending champions defeating USA volleyball in Rio de Janeiro. Sullivan’s girls fought hard in that match, and Italy had to overcome a 21-14 deficit in the third set to beat the Americans 3-0 (25-13, 25-13, 30-28). Wednesday’s battle in Łódź, Poland, was even more intense, albeit resulting in another sweep for Italy.
“The United States is knocked out of the Volleyball Nations League in the quarterfinals by No. 1 seed Italy with a 22, 21, 26 sweep,” wrote Nebraska-based volleyball reporter Lincoln Arneal. However, this time, women representing the stars and stripes gained significant ground, losing 25-22, 25-21, and 28-26. In an interesting contrast, Olympian Avery Skinner and debutant Lexi Rodriguez had standout performances.
“Avery Skinner led the USA with 11 kills. Franklin added 7 kills and a block. Lexi Rodriguez recorded a match-high 14 digs,” wrote the Huskers Illustrated writer. Unfortunately, their performances were not enough to derail Italy’s monstrous 27-game win streak. So, the question is: Was a matchup against Italy in the quarter finals avoidable?
The United States is knocked out of Volleyball Nations League in the quarterfinals by No. 1 seed Italy with a 22, 21, 26 sweep.
Avery Skinner led the USA with 11 kills. Franklin added 7 kills and a block. Lexi Rodriguez recorded a match-high 14 digs.
— Lincoln Arneal (@Lincoln_VB) July 23, 2025
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