Coach Kiraly considers Rachael Adams the most improved player in USA program
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, August 16, 2016 – Karch Kiraly admitted he loves to play against Japan which he considers owns the best defence in the world and bring the best out of his team.
Karch Kiraly, Coach of United States: I love to play against Japan. They have the best defence in the world and bring us to the limit. We are excited to move on step closer to the medals but we don’t have any expectations. You have to go out and earn the points and then you enjoy more your achievements.
On player Rachael Adams:
She has really worked very hard and I think she is the most improved player in our program in 2016. She has earned the right to be in the starting six.
Christa Harmotto-Dietzen, Captain of United States: We always enjoy playing against Japan. They expose our weaknesses with their great defence. We had to make four or five swings to put the ball down.
Masayoshi Manabe, Coach of Japan: We had difficulties throughout the game with the speed offence of United States and their blockers.
On not repeating a medal:
Times change and in four years after London, the game is different and the players are taller.
Saori Kimura, Captain of Japan: We couldn’t accomplish our goal of advancing to the semifinals and I feel disappointed. We battled hard in the third set but we couldn’t overcome the United States team.