Women’s Sitting Volleyball Wins Gold in Tokyo

The women’s sitting volleyball team defended their Paralympic championship title as they defeated rival China 3-1 in the gold medal match on Sunday, Sept. 5 at the Makuhari Messe Hall A to close out their Tokyo 2020 journey. 

Team USA set the tempo early as they posted a dominate 25-12 win in the first set in only 18 minutes and a close 25-20 win in the second set to capture a 2-0 lead. China rallied in their third set to prevent getting swept as the won 25-21 to force a fourth set. 

Over 24 minutes of action, Team USA battled for

every point in a thrilling match that saw both teams exchange points through the first 15 points when the American strung some points together to gain a two-point lead 19-17. It came down to the wire as Emma Schieck sealed the win with a serve point in the final set for a 25-19 victory. 

Four-time Paralympians Heather Erickson led all scores with 21 points and Kathryn Holloway tallied 20 in the victory. Team USA veteran Lora Webster collected her fifth Paralympic medal with the win. 

The United States has faced China in the championship match in four consecutive Paralympic Games with China winning the first two match updates in Beijing 2008 and London 2012 and Team USA as the two-time reigning champs in Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020. U.S. has won five consecutive medals including a bronze finish at Athens 2004.