Avery Skinner helps force tiebreaker in Olympic Volleyball debut

The result wasn’t what we wanted, but former Kentucky Volleyball star Avery Skinner looked very good in her Olympics debut. Skinner and fellow Team USA rookie Kathryn Plummer came off the bench to help the U.S. Women’s National Team win the third and fourth sets vs. China to force a tiebreaker. Unfortunately, the comeback came up just short, with China winning the fifth set by two points, 15-13, to clinch the victory.

China earns two points for the win, while the US picks up one point for forcing a fifth set. The Americans will be back in action Wednesday vs. Serbia at 11 a.m. ET. Based on today’s performance, I have a feeling Avery Skinner has earned some more playing time.

After China won the first and second sets (25-20, 25-19), Skinner and Plummer replaced Jordan Larson and Kelsey Robinson Cook in the third. Skinner immediately provided a spark on offense, helping Team USA take control of the match until the fifth set. She finished with 17 points on 15 kills and two aces, hitting .400. She also had a match-high 17 receptions.

“They came in guns a blazing because they had nothing to lose,” middle blocker Haleigh Washington said of Skinner and Plummer, via USA Volleyball. “I love that attitude. I love that energy. I think it’s a testament to the depth we have on this team.”

A 🔥 Olympic debut for the super sub 🇺🇸

1⃣7⃣ points
5⃣0⃣ % attack pic.twitter.com/AlrHrCByte

— Avid (@AvidVolley) July 29, 2024

Skinner supporting Skinner in Paris

Avery Skinner had some Kentucky blue cheering her on at the South Paris Arena. Kentucky Volleyball coach Craig Skinner (no relation) made the trip to Paris to support his former player, who helped the Cats win the 2020 NCAA Championship and four straight SEC Championships before finishing her college career at Baylor. Skinner has been sharing his Paris adventures on social media, including a post-match picture with Avery.

The @averyskinnerr fan club is ready to cheer her and @usavolleyball on tomorrow night against China. 🇺🇸 vs 🇨🇳 @KatyPoole @VBDers @BirdLaFleur pic.twitter.com/mi5oyFQrep

— Craig Skinner (@UKCoachSkinner) July 28, 2024

As mentioned, Skinner and USA will be back in action on Wednesday vs. Serbia. Here’s their complete schedule:

Wednesday, July 31

• 11:00 AM: United States (Avery Skinner) vs. Serbia; Preliminary Round – Pool A; USA, Peacock

Sunday, August 4

• 7:00 AM: France vs. United States (Avery Skinner); Preliminary Round – Pool A; NBC, Peacock

Tuesday, August 6: Quarterfinals
Thursday, August 8: Semifinals
Saturday, August 10: Bronze Medal Match
Sunday, August 11: Gold Medal Match