Women’s Sitting Volleyball Defeats Brazil in Semifinal Match to Make Gold Medal Finale

The women’s sitting volleyball team swept Brazil, 3-0, in the semifinal match at the Makuhari Messe Hall A on Friday night to advance to the Paralympic gold medal game. 

After getting off to a strong start, Team USA took the first set 25-19 and then made quick work in the second set with a 25-11 win. Brazil rallied in the third set and tried to extend their Paralympic journey when they took a 23-22 lead after 26

minutes of competition. Lora Webster recorded a block point to tie it up and then a Brazil error gave Team USA a 24-23 edge before Monique Matthews sealed the victory with an attack point.

Team USA was led by five-time Paralympian Webster, who has helped the team win four consecutive Paralympic medals since her debut at Athens 2004 when they took home a bronze medal. Webster recorded 10 points, four blocks and five digs and teammate Heather Erickson, a four-time Paralympian, led all players with 12 points for the Americans. 

Team USA is the defending Paralympic champion from the Paralympic Games Rio 2016 and looks to win back-to-back gold medals when they square-up against the winner of China versus Canada on Sunday, Sept. 5.