SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, Calif. (AP) — Nicole Fawcett scored 24 points and the U.S. women’s national team defeated Japan 25-15, 25-19, 21-25, 23-25, 15-10 on Saturday night to complete a three-match sweep of the inaugural USA Volleyball Cup.
Lauren Paolini added 14 points for the American women, who are ranked No. 1 in the world.
The victory improves Karch Kiraly to 8-0 as head coach of the United States. He took over the team following its silver-medal finish at the London Olympics last summer.
Japan, which won the bronze medal in London, was led by Yukiko Ebata with 24 points and Saori Kimura with 23.
The three USA Volleyball Cup matches were played to sellout crowds at UC San Diego, Long Beach State and JSerra High School.
