U.S. duo Kelly Cheng/Sara Hughes punched their ticket to the Olympic beach volleyball quarterfinals, gutting out a gritty win against Italy’s Marta Menegatti/Valentina Gottardi in the Round of 16.
It wasn't easy for the gold medal hopefuls, but Cheng/Hughes — the 2023 world champions — survived a valiant effort from Menegatti/Gottardi.
Menegatti/Gottardi thrived in the chaos of the first set, tracking down multiple loose balls and out-hitting the Americans at the net. Gottardi won a handful of one-on-one matchups with Cheng at the net and the Italians tested the U.S. by taking an 11-10 lead in the first frame.
But the United States responded to the Italian pressure, going back-and-forth with Menegatti/Gottardi before back-to-back points at the end sealed the 21-18 set fo the Americans.
Italy never backed down and kept Cheng/Hughes on their toes. The Italians took an 13-8 lead in the second set after unleashing a 5-0 run, sending the raucous crowd at Eiffel Tower Stadium into a frenzy. Italy hung on through the remainder of the set to win the second, 21-17, and even the match at one apiece.
Four straight points from Cheng — including back-to-back aces — gave the United States a 5-1 lead to start the third and decisive 15-point set. The Italians clawed their way back, getting to within one point at 12-11. Just as nerves began to creep in late for American fans, Cheng/Hughes outscored Italy 3-1 in the final four possessions to win the set in 15-12 fashion.
Cheng/Hughes will face Switzerland's Nina Brunner/Tanja Huberli in the quarterfinals.