Team USA entered needing to win just a single set to secure a place in the knockout rounds.
The Americans were able to secure that first set, but it was not easy to come by. There were numerous times in the first set where it seemed Team USA would pull away from France, which is the lowest-ranked team in the tournament, but the French pushed the Americans and made it difficult. The set looked over when the Americans led 22-17, but France rallied with six straight points and actually had a match point 27-26. Team USA was able to survive and score three straight points to take a 29-27 set win and secure its place in the knockout rounds.
The result was still crucial from there, as the United States looked to improve its standing in Pool A and earn a more favorable matchup in the knockout rounds.
The second set played out nearly exactly as the first. The United States led 20-14, then France reeled off seven straight points to take a 21-20 lead. France pushed the U.S. even harder this time as the Americans had to hold off three set points to take a 29-27 set win.
The U.S. was once again tremendous defensively with five blocks through two sets. And Team USA spread the wealth offensively with three hitters in double digit points. Annie Drews had 12, Kathryn Plummer had 11 and Chiaka Ogbogu had 10 through two sets.
Finally, in the third set, the Americans were able to grab a big lead and hold it, as they got up 20-16 and closed it out 25-20 to take the match and all three points.
Drews led the way yet again for the Americans, finishing with 15 kills, while Ogbogu got her total up to 13 and Haleigh Washington joined the double-digits party with 11 of her own. Washington has led the defense all tournament long alongisde Ogbogu, and both had three blocks on the day.
The U.S. now sits on six points in Pool A with only China and Serbia left to face. Those teams are on five and four points, respectively, so holding the top spot will be difficult.
France gave the Americans all they could handle, but the U.S. is moving on to the quarterfinals, which begin Tuesday.