The United States women`s volleyball team demonstrated their formidable prowess by concluding their pool play at the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Women’s World Championship undefeated. Their decisive victory over Czechia in Nakhon Ratchasima not only secured them the top position in Pool D but also played a crucial role in Slovenia`s qualification for the elimination rounds, marking their first appearance in the tournament`s knockout stage.
Chiaka Ogbogu facing a Czech blocker.
Moving forward to Bangkok for the elimination rounds, the American squad displayed remarkable resilience. In their final match in Nakhon Ratchasima, they staged a powerful comeback in the first set before dominating Czechia with a clean 3-0 sweep (26-24, 25-20, 25-15), maintaining their perfect record in the competition.
The three points gained from the Czech Republic match solidified the USA`s standing at nine points, confirming their status as the leading team in Pool D. This result was also beneficial for Slovenia, a tournament newcomer, who had previously beaten Argentina 3-0 (25-20, 25-22, 25-21) on the same day. Slovenia, with four points, critically depended on a Czech defeat to advance, which the USA`s win provided.
Both the United States and Slovenia are now set to compete against teams from Pool E in the Round of 16 in Bangkok on Monday. Türkiye and Canada have already secured their spots from Pool E, and their upcoming match on Wednesday will determine the pairings: the winner will face Slovenia, while the loser will go against the USA.
Olympic medalist Avery Skinner was a standout performer for the Americans against Czechia, leading her team with 15 points, comprising 13 kills, one block, and one ace. Outside hitter Sarah Franklin contributed significantly with 12 kills, and middle blocker Chiaka Ogbogu added ten points from seven kills, two blocks, and an ace.
“We’re happy to have qualified, our pool was difficult to get out and I’m really proud that we did it with three wins,” Skinner commented. “The Czechs started very well and we just weathered the storm. We knew they were a good team and just stuck to our game plan. We need to keep that mentality because every match is important and every opponent will give their best against us.”
The American offensive prowess was a key factor in their victory, giving them a 14-point advantage in kills (50 to 36) over Czechia throughout the match. The USA also outperformed their opponents in blocks (seven to four) and capitalized on more opponent errors (16 to 15), although Czechia had a slight edge in aces (four to three).
On the Czech side, captain Michaela Mlejnková was the top scorer with 14 points (13 kills, one ace), closely followed by fellow outside hitter Helena Grozer, who registered 12 kills and one block.
“I think the key today was that we didn’t serve well and they were in system the entire time,” Mlejnková reflected. “That made it very difficult for our defense to work. But what had us eliminated today was the fact that we didn’t get any points against Argentina. The scenario would be entirely different if we had. Now we`ve got to learn our lessons and come back stronger for the next tournaments.”
Jasper Thornfield 
Oliver Wrenwick