THE United States wound up unbeaten in the Quezon City leg of the Volleyball Nations League (VNL) but was forced to give up a set by an inspired Thailand side on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Thais gave the Americans a scare in a 17-25, 25-13, 25-23, 25-18 loss but earned enough bragging rights for putting a stain on the Olympic champion’s Philippine campaign.
“All the teams are incredible, we can’t take anything for granted,” US top player Ali Frantti said. “It’s going to be a battle. It’s going to be a grind each day.”
“It’s going to be harder and harder. I think all the competition is good. You know, we will take it one day at a time and focus on what’s next,” added Franti, who scored 27 points with two blocks and 10 digs for the Americans, whose 7-1 won-lost record for 21 points moved them closer to a spot in next month’s…
