USA dominates VNL week 2 with wins over Italy and Serbia

In the 2026 Women's Volleyball Nations League week 2, the United States continued its unbeaten run in the Philippines, sweeping Italy 3‑0 (27‑25, 25‑20, 25‑16) at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City and later defeating Serbia 4‑0 (25‑22, 18‑25, 25‑16, 25‑20). The victories lifted the USA to a 7‑1 record, placing them second overall behind Brazil.

Italy rebounded from an earlier loss to the United States by beating Japan 3‑0 (25‑20, 25‑23, 25‑18) in the same venue, improving its pool record to six wins and two defeats and keeping its hopes alive for a Finals berth in Macao. Key performers included Italy’s Ekaterina Antropova, who returned to her natural opposite role and scored 17 points against Japan, and USA’s Stephany Samedy (12 points) and Madison Banks (11 points) in the match versus Italy.

The results set the stage for the final week of the intercontinental phase, scheduled for early July in Hong Kong, where the top eight teams will vie for the Finals in Macao.