After sweeping its first two World Grand Prix opponents, the U.S. Women’s National Team fell to China in four sets on Sunday in Ningbo. Heading into the match, the U.S. held the world No. 1 ranking, while China ranked second.

Middle Foluke Akinradewo led the team with 16 points (10 kills, four blocks and two aces), while opposite Kelly Murphy contributed 13 points (10 kills, two aces and one block) as a starter in the final two sets.

Carli Lloyd (S), Karsta Lowe (OPP), Akinradewo, Jordan Larsen (OH), Kim Hill (OH) and Kayla Banwarth (L) started for Team USA, while Alexis Crimes (MB), Murphy, Kelsey Robinson (OH), Courtney Thompson (S), Alisha Glass (S) and Christa Dietzen (MB) contributed coming off the bench.



Later this week, the Americans will host their next round of World Grand Prix preliminary action in Long Beach, California. Team USA, which is 2-1 overall after defeating Germany and Thailand in Ningbo, plays Germany, Japan, and Turkey at Long Beach State’s Walter Pyramid, June 17-19.

Alongside Saturday’s match versus Japan, volleyball fans can attend the Vol-B-Que, a celebration branded as “America’s Great Volleyball Tailgate.” The event, which is celebrating its fifth anniversary, features a costume contest, grass volleyball, food trucks, music, face painting, raffles and more. Tickets can still be purchased through June 14.

Pool E Schedule, Walter Pyramid, Long Beach, California

Friday, June 17, 2016

Turkey vs. Japan 5:10 p.m. PT
USA vs. Germany 7:10 p.m. PT

Saturday, June 18, 2016

Turkey vs. Germany 5:10 p.m. PT
USA vs. Japan 7:10 p.m. PT

Sunday, June 19, 2016

Japan vs. Germany 3:10 p.m. PT
USA vs. Turkey 5:10 p.m. PT