PARIS — Karch Kiraly made one request when the decisive fifth set began: Win or lose, make sure to enjoy the moment.
The U.S. coach asked his players to take in the atmosphere, one of the best for women’s volleyball, with mighty Brazil on the opposite side of the net.
Now, Kiraly and the Americans will get another shot under the bright Olympic lights — a shot to repeat as gold medalists. And it took every extra hustle play by every American on the floor against the experienced Brazilians.
‘’It’s kind of sad that either team has to lose a match like that,” Kiraly said, ‘’because both programs are legendary in terms of consistently high level of play in good tournaments like the Olympics and world championships.’’
As Brazil’s fans waved flags, chanted and sang from every corner of South Paris Arena, the U.S. women edged their fellow world powerhouse in a five-set thriller on Thursday, a compelling rematch of their Tokyo final won in straight sets by the U.S.
That marked the Americans’ first Olympic title, and now they can make it two in a row.
Brazil got within 12-10 in the fifth before the U.S. held on for the victory, 25-23, 18-25, 25-15, 23-25, 15-11.
When Kathryn Plummer’s winning spike for her match-high 26th point closed it out, the Americans huddled together in a huge group hug and bounced on the court in celebration.