Avery Skinner shines in USA Volleyball's quarterfinal win over Poland

Avery Skinner continues to impress in her first Olympics. The former Kentucky Volleyball star started again for Team USA in today’s quarterfinal match vs. Poland and played an integral part in the 3-0 sweep (25-22, 25-14, 25-20). USA advances to the semifinals for the fifth straight Olympics, where they’ll face rival Brazil.

Before we worry about that, let’s talk about Skinner’s performance vs. Poland, because it was awesome. As mentioned, she started and played in all three sets, scoring back-to-back set winners to take the first and second sets. Skinner finished with 12 points on 12 kills, which was tied with Kathryn Plummer for second on the team behind Andrea Drews, who had 13 points. She also had ten digs and eight total receptions. Through three matches, Skinner has 42 points on 38 kills, 39 receptions, two aces, and two blocks.

On Thursday, USA will face Brazil in the semifinals, time to be determined. The two countries have met in three of the last four gold medal matches, with Brazil winning in Beijing in 2008 and London in 2012, and USA finally getting revenge three years ago in Tokyo. Brazil advanced to the semifinals earlier today with a 3-0 win over the Dominican Republic. Turkey will face the winner of Italy and Serbia (in progress) on the other side of the bracket.

Go Avery. Go Cats. Go USA.