China produced a stunning upset in the last eight of the Women’s Volleyball Nations League Finals in Macau on Thursday, beating leaders USA in a five-set thriller.
More than 4,000 fans roared the home team through a roller-coaster victory, with China leading 2-1, but the Americans pulled away, ahead of a decisive set that had everyone at the East Asian Games in Macau on the edge of their seats.
The 15-25, 25-23, 25-20, 17-25, 15-13 victory took China into the last four for the first time since 2023, and maintained their dominance over a side that has held the top four spots in the world rankings.
In a one-sided first set, Dana Rettke and Jordan Thompson led the United States to a commanding lead they never lost.
In one second, the two sides were tied at 18-18 until China pulled away with a 23-20 advantage, with outside hitter Zhuang Yushan helping to seal it.
The third set was close at 13-13, as China rallied to take the lead to a famous victory. But the United States fought back, taking the fourth after opening a four-point lead at 13-9.
