Drews Sparks Team USA to Victory Over Turkey – Purdue Boilermakers

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Alumna Annie Drews powered Team USA to a five set thriller at the Tokyo Olympics, defeating Turkey, 3-2 (25-19, 25-20. 17-25, 20-25, 15-12). Drews came off the bench in the fourth set to tally eight points, including a crucial five in the deciding set.

With the win, the U.S. moves to an undefeated 3-0 to tie for first place with Italy in the Pool B standings.

Drews went seven for 12 (.500) off the bench, including five kills on eight swings in the fifth set alone. The Elkhart, Indiana native scored the first point for Team USA to open the fifth set before going on to notch three of the team’s first six points.

“Truly the difference-maker for team USA in that fifth and decisive set,” said NBC’s on-site reporter Heather Cox.

Drews and Team USA will be back in action tomorrow as they take on the Russian Olympic Committee at 10:05 p.m. ET on NBCSN. Two matches remain in pool play before the top four teams from each pool advance to the Quarterfinals.

Drews played for the Boilermakers from 2012-15, where she was a two-time first team All-Big Ten honoree. Since graduating in 2016, the opposite has been a member of the U.S. national team since 2017. Additionally, she was named the 2019 USAV Female Indoor Player of the Year, 2019 FIVB Best Opposite and 2019 FIVB Most Valuable Player.

 

 

Upcoming Volleyball Olympic Matches

Friday, July 30 at 10:05 p.m. ET (NBCSN & Streamed)

vs. Russian Olympic Committee

 

Sunday, August 1 at 10:05 p.m. ET (NBCSN & Streamed)

vs. Italy

August 3/4 – Quarterfinals

August 5/6 – Semifinals

August 7/8 – Medal Matches