July 29, 2003

Matera, Italy - The USA women's national volleyball team wasted no time rebounding from yesterday's loss to China downing defending world champion and tournament host Italy 3-0 (25-19, 25-19, 26-24) at the 2003 FIVB World Grand Prix.

Team USA spent little time taking control of the match. The first set, a 25-19 U.S. victory, lasted just 23 minutes. Keba Phipps (Lakewood, Calif.) once again led the U.S. attack, scoring a match high 15 points on 10 kills and five blocks. Phipps is an Italian fan favorite from her long career in the Italian professional league.

Logan Tom (Salt Lake City, Utah) contributed 13 points, posting eight kills, three aces and two blocks. Nadia Centoni led the Italians with 11 points (nine kills, two blocks).

Other action today saw Russia defeat the Netherlands 3-0 (25-22, 25-18, 25-15) and China defeat Korea 3-0 (25-17, 25-14, 25-23).

2003 FIVB World Grand Prix Standings

1.  Russia (2-0)
2.  China (2-0)
3.  USA (1-1)
4.  Netherlands (1-1)
5.  Italy (0-2)
6.  Korea (0-2)

courtesy of USA Volleyball