On Friday May 20th, the U.S. Women’s National Volleyball Team visited Murrieta Mesa High School to continue their national promotion tour before heading into the FIVB World Grand Prix and the Olympic Games this summer. Both Murrieta Mesa and Forza1 partnered to help sponsor the event.
The Murrieta Mesa arena was packed to the brim with over 1,600 people who provided an electric atmosphere while the women played their intrasquad Red vs. Blue match.
Although players switched jerseys and teams throughout the match, the scores remained close either way with the Red Team taking three of the four sets, 25-22, 27-25, 34-36, 27-25.
Both players and coaches were not only impressed with how the team played, but more impressed by the spirit shown by fans at the event. Team Captain Christa Dietzen commented on the atmosphere after the match, “I think the school district did a phenomenal job of promoting it. It is awesome that the school spirit is here at Murrieta Mesa. What an awesome event to come and play in.”
The coaching staff was just as pleased by the atmosphere, and at some points they even asked the fans to boo for one side of the net to help create an environment like that which they will face when playing outside of the United States.
“What a wonderful atmosphere and reception that Forza1 and Murrieta Mesa High School provided for us. An amazing atmosphere, very Olympic like, including making a lot of noise like we can expect in Brazil, China and Thailand. They helped us train for some conditions that we can expect in tournaments later this summer,” said Head Coach Karch Kiraly.
Fans were treated to a stellar show put on by outside hitter Jordan Larson, who led all scorers with 21 points, including three blocks. They also got an incredible performance from Alexis Crimes from Rancho Cucamonga, who had 17 points and 11 blocks.
Before the match the team met with the Murrieta Mesa and Forza1 teams to take pictures and provide insight for when the girls take the court next.
The women followed their intrasquad match at Murrieta Mesa with another Red vs. Blue match at Santiago Canyon College on May 27th.
*Quotes attributed by TeamUSA.org*
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