Key Takeaways
- The U.S. Women’s Sitting National Team completed round‑robin play with a perfect 9‑0 set record, sweeping both Canada (the second‑seeded team) and Brazil (the third‑seeded team).
- Setter Kaleo Kanahele Maclay was the top scorer with 13 points (7 kills, 4 aces, 2 blocks).
- Middle blockers Monique Matthews and Tia Edwards each contributed double‑digit points, anchoring a balanced offensive attack.
- Coach Bill Hamiter praised the team’s overall execution while noting mental lapses that still need refinement.
- The championship pits the United States against Canada at 12 p.m. Eastern on Sunday, May 24, 2026.
- A full roster and support‑staff listing are provided for context and future reference.
Tournament Overview and Final Matchup
The United States entered the USAV Sitting Cup in Orlando, Florida, as the world’s top‑ranked sitting team and left the event undefeated after a dominant 9‑0 set performance. The decisive victory over Canada secured a championship showdown scheduled for noon Eastern time on Sunday, May 24, 2026. This rematch will test the Americans against the very opponent that challenged them in the round‑robin stage, offering a final opportunity to claim the title before a national audience. The match underscores the United States’ consistency and positions the squad as a benchmark for excellence in adaptive volleyball.
Dominant Performance Against Canada 3‑0
In its first encounter of the day, the U.S. faced Canada and recorded a 3‑0 victory with set scores of 25‑20, 25‑11, and 25‑13. Early in the opening set, after a 9‑5 tie, the Americans launched a 6‑1 run to take a 9‑4 lead, highlighted by four kills from Matthews. Canada responded with its own 6‑1 surge to narrow the gap to 11‑10, but a service ace by Nicky Nieves pushed the lead back to three points. The set remained tightly contested until the U.S. generated a crucial 4‑0 run, highlighted by a kill from Nieves and a block by Emma Schieck, which forced Brazil into a timeout. After a Brazil timeout, Bridge’s block set up an Edwards kill that clinched the first set. The subsequent sets followed a similar pattern of controlled aggression, with the U.S. maintaining comfortable margins and executing precise attacks to close out the match decisively. Hard‑Fought Victory Over Brazil 3‑0
The second match of the day pitted the United States against Brazil, the third‑seeded team, and resulted in another 3‑0 sweep with set scores of 25‑23, 25‑20, and 25‑15. Kanahele Maclay again led the scoring board with 13 points, recording seven kills, four aces, and two blocks. Early in the third set, the Americans opened a 9‑1 run, featuring a multi‑kill burst from Maclay and a block by Edwards that extended the lead to 19‑11. Brazil clawed back with a 5‑1 run, cutting the deficit to four points, but a decisive kill from Maclay re‑established a seven‑point cushion. The match culminated in a clinching point delivered by Maclay after Brazil defended two match points, sealing the victory. Throughout the contest, the U.S. displayed relentless service pressure and efficient blocking, attributes that proved decisive against a resilient Brazilian side.
Key Player Highlights
Several athletes stood out statistically and tactically during the two matches. Kaleo Kanahele Maclay emerged as the offensive catalyst, scoring 13 points across both games while distributing 13 assists and contributing four service aces. Middle blocker Monique Matthews tallied 12 points, combining ten kills with two blocks, and posted a flawless hitting percentage of .600 in the win over Canada. Tia Edwards added nine points, showcasing six kills and three blocks that helped stabilize the middle attack. Outside hitter Katie Holloway Bridge contributed consistently, recording nine kills, three blocks, and an ace, while Nicky Nieves supplied timely kills and a block that shifted momentum in critical moments. Defensive specialist Emma Schieck contributed five points, including two kills, two blocks, and an ace, underscoring the team’s depth across all rotational positions.
Coach’s Perspective and Team Development
Head Coach Bill Hamiter reflected on the team’s performance, acknowledging the high level of execution while identifying mental inconsistencies that need refinement before the championship. He noted, “We are playing pretty well overall, but there are still some big ups and downs, swings on our side with some mental letdowns. It was a great win, but I was a little nervous at times.” Hamiter emphasized that the squad still possesses growth potential and must maintain focus to translate strong statistical performances into sustained high‑level play. The coach also highlighted the importance of continuity, as this roster marked the first time the group had assembled together in weeks, allowing them to rediscover rhythm, joy, and chemistry on the court.
Roster, Support Staff, and Schedule Details
The United States fielded a 15‑player roster that blended veteran leadership with emerging talent. Prominent members include setter Kaleo Kanahele Maclay, middle blocker Monique Matthews, outside hitter Katie Holloway Bridge, and defensive specialist Emma Schieck. The full roster, listed with positions, heights, hometowns, and regional affiliations, also features liberos, opposite hitters, and versatile players ready to fill multiple roles. The support staff comprises Head Coach Bill Hamiter, assistants Grace Campbell and Steve Florio, team leader Layne Smith, performance analyst Jeffery Hicks, athletic trainer Samantha Carter, sports psychologist Brooke Lamphere, nutritionist Tatum Vedder, NTDP coach Tina Reading, and additional specialists. The competition schedule indicates that the championship match will take place at noon Eastern on Sunday, May 24, 2026, pitting the United States against Canada in a highly anticipated rematch that will determine the tournament champion.