Trio of Nebraska Cornhuskers stars not enough to overcome China in Olympics

Despite the fact that three former Nebraska Cornhuskers volleyball stars were helping the US Olympic volleyball team, they weren’t enough to lead the Americans to a win over China in five sets. 

However, they gave it the old college try. The Americans stormed back from a 2-0 deficit to force a game five, but fell to China 3-2: 20-25, 19-25, 25-17, 25-20, 13-15. China grabbed two points for the Pool A standings, while the US, by forcing a fifth set, earned one point.

That might be enough that it could help the US team as this field continues to go on. What was clear is that Nebraska Cornhuskers volleyball stars were able to try and get the team to make a rather large comeback. Even if it fell short.

Nebraska Cornhuskers volleyball stars lead USA to close loss against China in Olympics

Justine Wong-Orantes played all five sets at libero, leading Team USA with 17 digs.

Jordan Larson and Kelsey Robinson Cook were pulled for much of the middle sets. Larson notched four kills with a 0.167 hitting percentage while Robinson Cook added three kills on 0.077 hitting.

It’s possible that had they been left in, things might have gone differently. Of course, if I take my Husker blinders off it’s possible their getting pulled is what allowed the Americans to rally and almost take the match in five sets.

Team USA continues pool play July 31 against Serbia. That could be a fairly tough match that will shed some light on just how good Team USA can be. In their first match of the Olympics, Serbia was able to beat the host team in France in straight sets.

For those who missed the match against China live and want to see the former Nebraska Cornhuskers stars in the Olympics, you can watch a replay on Peacock.