Suphanburi, Thailand – Team USA wins their semi-final game against Japan in convincing fashion, with a final score of 78-24. Co-Captain, Rose Hollermann of Elysian, MN, leads the Americans into the U25 World Championship Final with a 33-point explosion.

Team USA Head Coach, Trooper Johnson stuck with the defensive strategy that delivered his team to the semifinal: various versions of their pressure defense. The chair skills and speed of his starting line-up caused quick turnovers and late shot attempts for the Japanese, which resulted in 12 fast break points for the U.S.

Hollermann led the Americans with 31 points in the first quarter off of an eye-popping 14-of-17 shooting (82%) from the field. Team USA had a 27-point run bridging the 1st and 2nd quarters, with Hollermann delivering 21 of the 27. Co-Captain, Abby Dunkin of New Braunfels, TX had a breakout first half of her own, dishing out 10 assists.

Coach Johnson, a prolific scorer in his day, said of Hollermann’s performance: “This was a special game by any standard. She hit whatever shot she put up, and once she got it going it was like, what is she going to do next. Her chair skills and movement were almost as exciting to watch as the ball going through the net.”

Lindsey Zurbrugg of Portland, OR was the second leading scorer for Team USA, contributing 15 points on 7-of-15 shooting in 27 minutes of play. 

Finals are tomorrow, and Team USA will have a rematch against Australia at 4:15 AM (Eastern). The Americans defeated Australia during pool play 65-10. Australia punched their ticket to the final by winning a defensive battle against Great Britain (42-36). If Team USA wins the final, they will have recaptured the Championship, having won in 2011 (USA did not compete in 2015).

2019 IWBF U25 World Championships

Suphanburi, Thailand

2018 IWBF World Championships Results

USA def. Turkey 70-16 (W) USA def. Germany 62-11 (W)

USA def. Australia 56-31 (W)

USA def. Thailand 65-10 (W)

USA def. Japan 78-24 (W)

U.S. Women’s Schedule for 2019 IWBF U25 World Championships

May 28 Final 4:15 AM (Eastern / New York)