Macau, Macau, Jun 14, 2017 - Michelle Bartsch-Hackley led the USA to a four-set win over Turkey in an exciting match on Friday.
The American star scored 17 points on Friday, joined by teammate Madison Kingdon who added 12. Turkey's Melis Durul managed to put 9 points on the board.
The first set began on close with both teams tied at 12-all. A bad run by Turkey allowed the USA to take a three-point lead at 19-16 which they managed to hold on to for the rest of the set, finishing it at 25-21. The second set saw Turkey sprinting to an early 6-2 advantage, but the USA were able to tie things up again just before the second technical time-out. After a thrilling finish Turkey sealed the set with an impressive block, 26-24.
The third set was even until 9-all, at which point the Americans jumped ahead. They led 18-13 and 22-19 before taking the set, 25-19. The final set was a one-team show from start to finish. The USA took and early lead which they expanded on as the set progressed. In the end, they clinched it, 25-12.