The atmosphere at the North Paris Arena was electric as the U.S. women's sitting volleyball team prepared to face host nation France in a much-anticipated match during the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games. With chants echoing from the stands, the energy was palpable even before the first serve, which was delivered as an ace by U.S. setter Alexis Shifflett-Patterson.

 

A Dominant Performance

The U.S. team showcased their prowess on the court, delivering a commanding performance that resulted in a 3-0 victory, with set scores of 25-5, 25-1, and 25-5. The Americans racked up an impressive 28 aces and a flurry of kills, overwhelming the French team, who struggled to gain any momentum throughout the match. Despite the lopsided score, the French fans remained spirited, cheering enthusiastically for their team.

U.S. captain Monique Matthews expressed her appreciation for the lively atmosphere, stating, “I love it. I love when we play the host country because it's just surreal, just the chanting and the cheering, like the roar of it. You just can't replace it or replicate it, and I just love it.”

 

Preparing for the Challenge

Head coach Bill Hamiter prepared his veteran squad for the intense environment they would face against France. He emphasized the importance of maintaining focus amidst the noise, a strategy that has served the team well in past competitions. Outside hitter Emma Schieck echoed this sentiment, noting the excitement that comes with playing against teams that bring their best game, regardless of the crowd's support.

“We know that every team that we play is always going to give us their best game and it makes it exciting,” Schieck said. “Playing with a crowd like this is, whether it's cheering for you or cheering against you, it is an absolute blast.”

 

Bouncing Back from a Loss

This match was particularly significant for the U.S. team, as they were looking to bounce back from a disappointing opening loss to China just days earlier. Historically, the Americans have faced similar challenges in previous Paralympic Games, where they also lost to China in the preliminary rounds but ultimately went on to win gold. Matthews highlighted the importance of this victory for team morale, stating, “It's always good to come out and get a win after a loss, just to build the morale.”

The U.S. players demonstrated resilience, quickly shaking off the loss and focusing on their next challenge. Schieck led the team with 11 kills, while Matthews and Heather Erickson contributed 10 kills each. The French team, in contrast, did not register a single ace and managed only 11 points throughout the match.

 

Looking Ahead

The victory against France not only served as a morale booster but also reaffirmed the U.S. team’s status as a formidable contender in the tournament. Ranked No. 3 in the World ParaVolley standings, the Americans are aiming for their third consecutive gold medal. As they prepare for their next match against Italy, ranked No. 7, the team remains focused on their internal strategies rather than external competition.

 

Hamiter’s message to the squad moving forward is clear: maintain focus and consistency. “It's hard, but we've been together for, I don't know, at least 10 years, the squad,” Matthews noted. “So we're used to it. We're really good at coming together when we need to.”

With this strong performance behind them, the U.S. women's sitting volleyball team is poised to continue their pursuit of Paralympic glory in Paris, embodying the spirit of resilience and teamwork that has defined their journey thus far.