U.S. beach volleyball duo Taryn Kloth and Kristen Nuss defeated Taliqua Clancy and Mariafe Artacho of Australia in straight sets, taking the early lead in Pool B under the dazzling lights of the Eiffel Tower.
It was a statement win by Kloth and Nuss, who knocked off an Australian side that won silver in Tokyo. The Americans displayed composure and chemistry throughout the match, capitalizing on Australian errors in both sets for a 21-16, 21-16 victory.
A back-and-forth first set saw multiple three-point runs by the Americans and a four-point run by Australia. Clancy and Artacho attacked both Kloth and Nuss on the defensive end in the first set, continuously testing the spacing of the American duo.
But the former LSU teammates — who went 36-0 in college during 2021 season — settled in at the end of the set, proving to be the more tactical and efficient team.
Clancy and Artacho pushed the U.S. in the beginning of the second set before Kloth and Nuss wore out the Australians. Just as she did against Canada, the 5-foot-6 Nuss continued to find gaps in the defense with her signature floater.
Kloth and Nuss will continue Pool B play against China on Thursday.