TOKYO (AP) — The U.S. women’s volleyball team has made it to the gold medal match for the fourth time. It avenged a semifinal loss five years ago to Serbia with a 25-19, 25-15, 25-23 victory. The Americans easily dispatched the team that denied them a chance at their elusive first gold medal in 2016 in Rio de Janeiro. They advanced to the gold medal match against the winner of the Brazil-South Korea semifinal. Serbia will play the loser for the bronze.
Annie Drews finished with 17 points, with 12 coming from attack, three service points and two blocks. Michelle Bartsch-Hackley had nine attack points and two blocks while Jordan Larson also had two blocks with her 11 attack points. Jordyn Poulter also made her return after being out with an injury. The setter recorded 32 sets, two blocks and five digs.