Aug. 20, 2016 RELEASE COURTESY OF USA VOLLEYBALL
LINKS: #LIONSTRONG | Give to LMU Athletics | LMU on Facebook | LMU on Twitter | Complete USA Volleyball Recap of Bronze Medal Match
LMU volleyball head coach Tom Black, along with volunteer assistant Joe Trinsey, helped guide Team USA to a bronze medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics on Saturday afternoon. The U.S. Women's National Team earned the Olympic bronze medal with a 25-23, 25-27, 25-22, 25-19 victory over Netherlands at Maracanazinho arena.
It is the second Olympic bronze medal for the U.S. Women's National Team program. The first came in 1992. The team won Olympic silver medals in 1984, 2008 and 2012. The U.S. finishes the tournament with a 7-1 record.
The U.S. Women had to bounce back from a five-set semifinal loss to Serbia on Thursday and said they did that by grieving the loss together and then lifting their spirits together.
"Our team dealt with some real pain and heartache, heartbreak, a couple of days ago," U.S. Head Coach Karch Kiraly said. "I'm incredibly proud of how within hours they were preparing, carrying that heartbreak, but preparing to be good and to finish strong. I also never had any understanding of how good a bronze medal could feel, and it feels incredible right now. We're so happy to finish this tournament on this note."
"There have been a lot of tears the past couple days and not just tears of sadness," outside hitter Kim Hill (Portland, Oregon) said. "(There were) tears of gratitude and joy at this experience this past four years and in this tournament and being with this group of people, this special group.
"It's been such an amazing ride and we wouldn't trade it for anything."
Hill led all scorers with 19 points on 13 kills, a match-high four aces and two blocks.
For a complete recap of the bronze medal match, please visit the link below.
Complete USA Volleyball Recap of Bronze Medal Match
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