Husker Recruit Leads Team USA to Semifinals

Macau, China ? Behind the efforts of Husker incoming freshman Rachel Holloway, the United States Youth National team advanced to the semifinals of the Girls' Under-18 World Championship with a 25-20, 21-25, 23-25, 25-19, 15-9 victory over China Friday morning.

Holloway, a University of Nebraska signee and two-year captain of the Youth National Team, helped the United States overcome a 2-1 deficit, as the United States improved to 5-0 in the tournament and advanced to the semifinals against Russia, which defeated Korea, 3-0. 

Holloway, the starting setter for the U.S. team, also added five kills one block and a service ace to end China’s four-year reign at the U-18 World Championships. The victory was also the first by a U.S. National Team in China since 2001.

”When we reached 4 to 1 in the last set we understood the match was ours,” Holloway said. “This was the crucial moment. We feel that much is still to be done and look forward to the next match.”

The U.S. is already guaranteed its best finish in four appearances at the Under 18 World Championships. Its best previous finish was a third-place effort in 2003. Brazil and Italy will meet in the other semifinal.

“I don’t think it is a coincidence that she has been chosen as captain the last two years for the U.S. Youth National Team and that it has been one of our most successful USA teams ever in the history program,” Nebraska Head Coach John Cook said. “They won the NORCECA for the first time ever in 2004, and have a chance to medal against the best players in the world at that age group. It is a reflection of what type of player she is and how her peers see her on the court.”