Serbia has stunned the top-ranked U.S. women’s volleyball team that was chasing its first ever Olympic gold.
With star player Foluke Akinradewo injured early, the Americans came back from a 2-1 deficit to force a fifth set before falling 15-13.
Serbia won 20-25, 25-17, 25-21, 16-25, 15-13 on Thursday — handing the U.S. its first defeat in Rio.
Akinradewo’s teammates took over after she hurt her left knee late in the opening set.
With two-time defending Olympic champion Brazil also ousted in a five-setter by China in the quarterfinals, Serbia will now face either the young Chinese squad led by former U.S. coach Jenny Lang Ping or the surprising Netherlands team, which is back in the Olympic volleyball competition for the first time in 20 years.
..... - Newsday