U.S. women’s volleyball team advances

This article was originally on a blog post platform and may be missing photos, graphics or links. See About archive blog posts.

The U.S. women’s volleyball team used 21 blocks to defeat Turkey 25-16, 25-20, 20-25, 25-17 today at the FIVB World Grand Prix in Taipei and advanced to the final round.

It is the first time since 2004 that the women’s team has qualified for the final round.

The U.S. squad is now 7-1. Its only loss was in the first match -- against Turkey.

The U.S. is in second place in the 12-team tournament with the same number of losses as Brazil and Italy, and trails tournament leader China, which is the only undefeated team.

Tayyiba Haneef-Park of Laguna Hills again led the Americans, this time with 19 points via 16 kills on 33 swings, two aces and a block. Heather Bown of Yorba Linda contributed seven points with three kills and four blocks, and Cynthia Barboza of Long Beach had a kill.

-- Debbie Goffa