(August 31, 2002)                                                                                             Hot News Main Page

U.S. Women's National Team Stuns No. 1 Russia
Grand Rapids Force Setter Flynn Starts Both World Championships Matches

OAKBROOK TERRACE IL (August 31, 2002) Grand Rapids Force setter Jen Flynn (Pittsburgh, Pa., The Ohio State University) helped the U.S. Women's National Volleyball Team upset Russia, ranked No. 1 in the world, 3-2 Saturday in second day action of the Women's Volleyball World Championships held in Riesa, Germany.

The victory puts the U.S. in a tie for first place in Pool C play at 2-0. Puerto Rico is also undefeated at 2-0. The top three teams in each pool advance. The U.S. defeated Argentina on Friday to open the tournament.

"Tonight was a great team win. The atmosphere on the court was awesome," Flynn told USA Volleyball after the match. "Everyone came to win tonight and you could see it in everyone's eyes. Our blocking and defense were keys to the victory. It's always great to win against a team like Russia, but it's only the beginning. We have to maintain this focus as we continue through this tournament."

Danielle Scott (Baton Rouge, La., Long Beach State) and Keba Phipps (Lakewood, Calif., Foppapedretti, Bergamo (Italy)) each scored 17 points to lead the U.S.

The U.S. faces the Dominican Republic (0-2) on Sunday and Puerto Rico on Monday before wrapping up pool play against Kenya on Tuesday.

Minnesota Chill middle blocker Wiz Bachman (Lakeville, Minn., UCLA), who helped lead the Chill to the 2002 U.S. Pro Volleyball (USPV) championship, is also on the U.S. roster.

For more information on USPV, which has expanded to eight teams in 2003, visit www.uspv.com.

For more information on USA Volleyball, which is celebrating its 75th anniversary, visit www.usavolleyball.org.

[Source: Mike Miazga, Director Media Relations, USPV/Chicago Thunder (630) 575-8827 (office); (847) 344-6554 (cell); mmiazga@uspv.net]