U.S Women Lead 2026 VNL Finals Seedings
The U.S. Women National Team clinched the No. 1 seed for the Volleyball Nations League Finals with a straight-sets victory over world No. 2 Brazil, winning 3-0 (25-24, 25-22, 25-16) in Osaka.
The U.S. finished 10-2 in VNL pool play and will play the eighth seed in the quarterfinals of the VNL finals, which will be held in Macao, China, beginning on July 22.
The U.S. finished with a 46-42 advantage in kills, 13-9 in blocks (7-1 in the final set) and made seven fewer errors (15-8). Brazil served one more ace (3-2).
U.S. head coach Erik Sullivan rated his team’s progress at six or seven out of 10, saying they improved steadily and are focused only on their next opponent as they prepare for the finals.
How U.S Women overcame Brazil
Outside hitter Avery Skinner led all players with 18 kills and 21 points, adding three blocks and five digs.
” U.S. Women Beating Brazil and earning three points puts us in a strong position. They’re a quality side, but we stayed focused and fought for every point,” Skinner said.
Opposite Jordan Thompson scored 16 points on 14 kills and two blocks, while also contributing 10 digs. Outside Logan Eggleston finished with 14 points on a match-best five blocks to go with seven kills and an ace. She also led all players with 12 digs.
Setter Jordyn Poulter led the offense to a .311 hitting percentage. Libero Lexi Rodriguez recorded a match-high seven successful receptions. Middle blocker Dana Rettke scored six points on three kills and three blocks, and middle Asija O’Neal totaled four points on three kills and an ace.
Brazil raced to a 5-1 lead before the United States responded, with Thompson and Skinner inspiring a comeback to edge ahead 16-14 before Brazil leveled the score.
The U.S. edged Brazil in the opening set as key kills from Avery Skinner and Jordan Thompson secured a hard-fought win. Skinner finished with nine points (eight kills, one block), while Thompson added seven points (six kills, one block).
The U.S. Women overcame Brazil’s mid-set surge to win the second set, with key contributions from Kathryn Plummer? Wait no—Skinner, Eggleston, and Rettke. Skinner’s late kills and a Brazil hitting error sealed a 2-0 match lead.
Rettke and Eggleston helped the U.S. take an early third-set lead before Brazil briefly surged ahead with consecutive aces. The Americans responded with a dominant 15-3 run, fueled by Eggleston’s blocks and ace, plus Skinner’s key kill and block, to seal the match.
The U.S. ended the match with Skinner’s fifth kill and sixth point of the set. Eggleston totaled six points on four blocks, a kill and an ace.