Olympic scouting report: USA vs. Serbia (SEMIFINAL)

• Serbia played an outstanding match vs. Russia in the quarterfinals, winning 3-0.
• Excellent serving team. Serbia had 12 aces in their win over Russia. They have 2 very good jump spin severs: lefty opposite Boskovic (#19) and outside hitter Mihajlovic (#9). All of the other servers use some form of a jump float serve.
• Serbia’s top 2 attackers are opposite Boskovic (#19) and outside hitter Mihajlovic (#9). Booth of them attack from back row.
• The two middle blockers are decent, and they blocked well against a formidable Russian attack.
• Setter Ognjenovic (#10) is Serbia’s captain. The 32-year-old veteran is crafty, and she got a few important sideouts against Russia on dumps when she was in the front row. She likes setting the hot hitter.
• This team is well coached by Zoran Terzic, who has coached them for the last 14 years.
• This is their first Olympic semi-final. (The same is true for Netherlands, which will play China in the other semifinal.)
• U.S needs to practice receiving hard-driven topspin jump serves. They also need to block well, especially against opposite Boskovic (#19) – she likes angle but can hit line – and outside Mihajlovic (#9), who has all the shots: line, angle, tool off block, roll shot and tip.
• USA beat them 3-1 in pool play, but Serbia played very well technically, tactically and with lots of focus and inspiration. They have nothing to lose but must come out tough at the outset of the semifinal to have a good shot to upset the U.S.
• In their pool play match vs. the USA, Serbia started Set 1 in Rotation 1 with setter Ognjenovic serving. After a 17-25 Set 1 loss, they began Sets 2, 3 and 4 in Rotation 5 whether they served or received the first ball. Rotation 5 puts outside hitter Mihajlovic (#9) in the left front position.
• Serbia did use the double sub in Set 2 with setter Zivkovic (#4) in for opposite Boskovic (#19) and opposite Brakocevic (#2) in for setter (Ognjenovic) #10. Serbia won Set 2 by a score of 25-21.

• Tall team but not a great blocking team. Struggles with quick attacks.
• Average defensive team. Libero Silvija Popovic (#17) is strong. Otherwise, not much to offer in backcourt.

USA vs. Serbia outlook
Serbia has sufficient talent to defeat the USA – or any other team, for that matter. Both teams are very good offensively. Serbia combines a good serve with a very good offensive attack. However, USA is more consistent in all aspects of the game. The offense for both teams will be effective. The difference in the match is that the USA is a better blocking and defensive team. USA is also mentally stronger and capable of withstanding Serbian offensive runs. USA will win the long rallies.

1 Alisha Glass – setter (height: 6-0; age 28) – Leland, Michigan; Penn State
2 Kayla Banwarth – libero (5-10; 27) ­- Dubuque, Iowa; University of Nebraska
3 Courtney Thompson – setter (5-8; 31) – Kent, Washington; University of Washington
5 Rachael Adams – middle blocker (6-2; 26) - Cincinnati, Ohio; University of Texas
6 Carli Lloyd – setter (5-11; 27) – Bonsall, California; University of California-Berkeley
10 Jordan Larson – outside hitter (6-2; 29); Hooper, Nebraska; University of Nebraska
12 Kelly Murphy – opposite (6-2; 26) Wilmington, Illinois; University of Florida
13 Christa Dietzen – middle blocker (6-2; 29) Hopewell Township, Pennsylvania; Penn State
15 Kim Hill – outside hitter (6-4; 26) Portland, Oregon; Pepperdine
16 Foluke Akinradewo – middle blocker (6-3; 29) Plantation, Florida; Stanford
23 Kelsey Robinson – outside hitter (6-2; 24) Bartlett, Illinois; University of Nebraska
25 Karsta Lowe – opposite (6-4; 23) Rancho Santa Fe, California; UCLA

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