Felix von Knorring, the head of Media at Volleyball World, could hardly contain his elation last week as he revealed the new deal between USA Volleyball and CBSSN and the Big Ten Network. However, despite the deal bringing all the action from the ongoing Volleyball Nations League to national TV, the losing form of the US Women’s Volleyball didn’t make things particularly interesting. Thankfully, all that could be behind us now.

The US Women’s Volleyball team lost all of its first three matches at the 2025 Volleyball Nations League, making things look pretty grim. The team last won gold at the FIVB tournament in 2021. After three consecutive losses to Italy, hosts Brazil, and the Czech Republic, it didn’t feel like Madisen Skinner & Co. had what it takes to reinstate the country at the top of the food chain. But we could be, finally, out of the woods.

The official USA Volleyball social media handle took to X on June 8 to share the women’s team’s latest feat to wrap up the opening week of the Volleyball Nations League. “The U.S. Women’s National Team closed out week one of VNL with a win by sweeping Korea, 25-13, 28-26, 25-17,” the ecstatic emotions of the folks over at the country’s apex volleyball governing body oozed onto social media.

“Amber Igiede led all scorers with 16 points, including a dominant eight blocks, while Madi Skinner scored 15 and Sarah Franklin had 14,” the post further noted how the top three stars of the US Women’s Volleyball team made it possible to keep South Korea at bay at the top-tier volleyball tournament. The glee was even more acute, especially after how the team started its journey at the VNL in Rio.

Coming in hot at the international tournament on the back of an Olympic silver, the US Women’s Volleyball team had the fans dreaming big. With a stacked roster, the squad promised to deliver big things. However, it wasn’t the dream start you’d have hoped for. Three back-to-back losses, and the fans had already started burying their expectations of the national women’s team winning the 2025 VNL. The first-ever loss to the Czech Republic only amplified the displeasure of volleyball connoisseurs across the country.

“I’m seriously dejected,” was the general sentiment that took over social media as fans noted their concerns over how the US Women’s Volleyball would fare against the Koreans two days later. However, that botheration was proved to be entirely unfounded. A 14-3 advantage in blocks and an even larger advantage in kills (43-31) tipped the scales the USA’s way while Korea only managed to post a lead in aces (5-4).

16 of Amber Igiede’s points came from blocks (7 kills, one ace), while Texas alum Madi Skinner and former Wisconsin star Sarah Franklin each posted 13 kills for the US Women’s Volleyball team at today’s game. Logan Lednicky bagged 10 points (7 kills, 3 blocks). “We have had spurts of really good things, but I think where we have improved the most over the week is in bringing more consistency for every single point…Everyone on the team is ready to get on the court and contribute in any way possible,” Franklin commented after the match.

Leaving Brazil on a good note.

The US Women’s Volleyball team got late to the party, but they’re here now

The third-ranked American girls opened their journey at the VNL with a staggering 3-0 loss to Italy, the reigning Olympic champs and the World No. 1 volleyball team. “We learned a few things about where we need to be, but I am proud of how we continued to fight…Italy is a great team and the ability to play them early is huge. They are going to set the bar for us the rest of the summer,” said head coach Erik Sullivan after the defeat. Italy surpassed the US Women’s Volleyball in all aspects, including kills (45-30), Blocks (13-6), and aces (6-0).

Hosts Brazil, ranked No. 2, also swept past the US team without holding back. In the match against Czechia, things finally started to look better. After five sets, the American Women’s Volleyball team lost 23-25, 20-25, 25-17, 25-20, 27-25 on June 6. With a 13-6 advantage in blocks, Madisen Skinner and Co. finally started showing the fighting-back mentality, while picking up leads in both kills (82-66) and aces (7-2).

The US women will now head to Serbia for the second leg of the VNL to take on the host country on June 18. How do you think that will go down? Can the US Women’s Volleyball finally reclaim the VNL title after four years? Tell us below!