Madi's moments: Undefeated USA progress to Volleyball World Championship knockout rounds
Madi posted a total of 28 points across the United States’ three group stage matches
Published
27 AUG 2025
Est. reading time
2 min
The U.S. Women’s National Team progressed to the Volleyball World Championship round of 16 in convincing fashion, with Madi playing a key role in their trio of group stage victories.
Erik Sullivan’s side made light work of their Pool D matches in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand — beating Slovenia and Argentina to seal qualification, before wrapping things up by sweeping Czechia on Tuesday.
Madi’s best points haul so far came in the opener against Slovenia, as she posted 13 points from 10 kills, a block and two aces to help claim a 3-1 victory (25-23, 17-25, 25-22, 25-14).
And Sullivan was pleased with the team’s determination, following that encounter:
“[There were] a bunch of nice things about that,” he said. “Obviously, to get the win in our first match, that’s the most important thing for us.
“I thought we were real gritty; we hung in there, we fought against a real good Slovenia team. I thought they [Slovenia] played really well tonight, but I also think we allowed them to do some things that we need to correct.
“We need to come out with a little more aggressiveness in how we’re playing and make sure we establish that early.
“It took us a little while to get there. We got a lot of help from a lot of players on our roster, which is awesome.”
The USA heeded that advice in Game 2, when Madi’s seven points from five kills and two blocks contributed to a second 3-1 triumph versus Argentina (25-14, 23-25, 25-12, 25-17) — enough to ensure progress to the round of 16.
“I’m real happy with how we competed,” said the 53-year-old head coach after the game. “We talked about coming out and getting off on the right foot.
“In previous matches, especially this summer, we kind of go out and feel it out for a little bit, and let other teams get going. [Tonight] we put some pressure on them right away.
“It was some of the best volleyball for the longest periods of time that we’ve played.”
With confidence flowing from consecutive wins, the United States confirmed top spot in Pool D by beating Czechia 3-0 (26-24, 25-20, 25-15), as Madi put a further eight points on the board, from six kills and two blocks.
That took her personal tally to 28 for the tournament — and she will certainly be keen to add to that number when the USA’s upcoming round of 16 clash gets underway on Monday 1st September.
The action will move to Thailand’s capital Bangkok for that game, with all knockout matches scheduled to take place at the Indoor Stadium Huamark.
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