REIGNING Volleyball Nations League holders United States, with a mix of Tokyo Olympians and newcomers, made quick work of Bulgaria, 25-20, 25-22, 25-20, to open its Week 2 campaign on a positive note yesterday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Outside hitter Kelsey Robinson, one of the five Tokyo gold medalists playing in the Quezon City leg, came through with 14 points, including the match-winner that sent the Americans to their fourth win in five matches.

“I’m just so happy to be wearing the USA jersey and back with amazing teammates and fun to play with new faces,” said Robinson.

Among those young standouts who were included in the Philippine roster who shone was opposite spiker Danielle Cuttino, who scored 12 points, including two blocks, and seven digs, and middle blocker Hanna Tapp, who had 11 points.

“You know, we have some young players that will gonna get some looks and some experience. So it is just all about finding our rhythm,” said Robinson.

Middle blocker Haleigh Washington, another Tokyo Olympian, was the other American in double digits with 10 points highlighted by match-highs four service aces and two blocks.

Fan favorite Justine Wong-Orantes, a member of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics team whose mother is full Chinese and father is full Mexican, was so happy the reception given to her by Filipino fans.

“I’m super excited that the Filipino fans are amazing,” said Wong-Orantes, who collected eight digs. “I’m just looking forward to see the fans coming out in the next couple of days.”

Miroslava Paskova had 14 points, including two blocks, and six digs while Silvana Chausheva added nine points and six digs for the Bulgarians, who suffered their fourth loss in five games.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Theodore P. Jurado