Team USA completed a sweep of Pool 5 after toppling Serbia in four sets, 25–22, 18–25, 25–16, 25–20, on the final day of Week 2 action of the 2026 FIVB Women’s Volleyball Nations League, presented by the Philippine Sports Commission, on Sunday at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
The World No. 7 squad improved to solo second with a 7–1 win-loss record, just behind unbeaten Brazil (7–0), breaking a three-way tie at 6–1 with Japan and Poland.
As in their previous outings, it was a balanced offensive effort that powered the young American side to victory.
Four players finished in double figures, with Avery Skinner leading the way with 18 points built on 16 attacks, one block, and one service ace.
“I think we are very lucky to come out this week 4–0. We played really quality opponents, and next week, Week 3, will be just as challenging. And we are ready to battle,” said captain and setter Jordyn Poulter, who anchored the performance with 22 excellent sets.
The Americans carried their momentum from the third set into the fourth, immediately piling on pressure at the start of the frame.
Back-to-back errors from Branka Tica helped the USA stretch its cushion, though Serbia’s defensive pressure eventually kept pace.
Still, the World No. 7 Americans held firm, turning an 18–14 lead into a 25–20 finish, sealed by another Skinner kill.
Aside from the 27-year-old winger, Logan Eggleston and Jordan Thompson also delivered timely contributions for the USA.
Eggleston added 17 points on 16 spikes and one block, while Thompson chipped in 14 markers off 10 attacks, two blocks, and two service aces.
The Americans will look to carry this momentum into the third and final week of the qualifying rounds, opening against Thailand on July 8 at 3:30 p.m. in Osaka, Japan.
For Serbia, Nina Cajic once again led the charge, producing most of her 18 points in the third-set win and during their comeback attempts.
Hena Kurtagic also finished with 11 points on eight attacks and one ace, with her two timely blocks lifting her into the top two blockers of the season.
Serbia dropped to a 2–6 record and will look to lean on homecourt advantage in Week 3 to keep its Final Round hopes alive.
