Aug 8, 2024; Paris, France; United States libero Justine Wong-Orantes (4) passes the ball against Brazil in a women's volleyball semifinal match during the Paris 2024 Olympic Summer Games at South Paris Arena 1. Michael Madrid-USA TODAY Sports

Huskers in Paris: Nebraska Trio and USA Volleyball Fall to Italy, Take Olympic Silver

Originally posted on Nebraska Cornhuskers on SI
By Kaleb Henry | Last updated Aug 11, 2024 9:46 AM ET

The defense of gold at Tokyo falls one win short.

Team USA women's volleyball was swept by Italy in the final of the Paris Olympics Sunday: 25-18, 25-20, 25-17. That is the first Olympic medal of any color for the Italian squad. For the Americans, this marks the fifth-consecutive Summer Games with a medal.

As for how the former Nebraska players fared in the gold medal match, Justine Wong-Orantes was again everywhere on the floor at libero. She posted a match-high 15 digs.

At outside hitter, Jordan Larson had her best performance in a few matches, notching five kills on .400 hitting, adding six digs. Kelsey Robinson Cook did not land a kill in two swings but added a pair of digs to the cause.

Former Huskers Larson, Robinson Cook, and Wong-Orantes have all won multiple Olympic medals. This is Larson's fourth medal, Robinson Cook's third, and the second for Wong-Oratnes. Larson ties Ana Fernández (Cuba) and Inna Ryskal (USSR) with four Olympic indoor volleyball medals.

Watch a replay of the USA-Italymatch on Peacock.