Osaka, Japan, October 8, 2018 - The United States continued their awesome form by winning their seventh straight match at the World Championship, defeating Turkey 3-0 in Pool F at the Osaka Municipal Central Gymnasium on Monday afternoon. The Americans won 3-0 (25-21, 25-17, 25-18) to improve to 7-0 for the tournament and stay on course for one of the three qualifying places from Pool F for the third round. Turkey's record slipped to 3-4 with their second successive defeat here in Osaka.
Kelly Murphy led the USA scorers with 12 points and there were 10 apiece for captain Jordan Larson, Kimberly Hill and Foluke Akinradewo in a strong team performance.
Zehra Gunes top-scored for Turkey with nine points and Meliha Ismailoglu scored seven.
In the first set, Meliha Ismailoglu and Meryem Boz gave the Americans a few problems and Kelly Murphy replied on block and spike in a point-for-point exchange through to the second TTO.
When Karsta Lowe blasted the Americans three points clear at 19-16, Turkey called a TO. Kimberly Hill out-foxed the Turkish defence with a well-placed spike into space and Turkey were off the court again at 21-16. Middle blocker Lauren Gibbemeyer steadied the USA ship with a critical point as Turkey threatened a late comeback and Kelly Murphy brought up four set points at 24-20 before Hill finished it 25-21.
In the second set, captain Eda Erdem struck at the net and southpaw setter Cansu Ozbay won a scramble as the Turks were determined not to allow the Americans to pull clear.
A brilliant dig by libero Kelsey Robinson allowed Hill to spike imperiously down the middle and, with captain Jordan Larson busy on the left, the Americans were looking good at 16-10. When Lowe extended that lead to 19-10, Turkey took a TO to try and upset USA's rhythm. Larson would have none of it, however, and powered her team to the second set 25-17.
In the third set, the USA blocked hard and Turkey found themselves trailing 12-9. Foluke Akinradewo maintained her fine form and Hill pushed one over for 14-10 to send Turkey into a TO. Turkey were finding it increasingly difficult to score points against the tight USA defence and the Americans romped home 25-18.