The U.S. women’s national team, ranked second in the world, opened the defense of its FIVB World Championship title won in 2014 by defeating Azerbaijan 29-27, 25-21, 25-21 on Saturday in Kobe, Japan.
Ex-Husker Jordan Larson helped lead the U.S. team with 11 points on 10 kills and one block. Ex-Husker and U.S. libero Kelsey Robinson had 12 digs. The U.S. national team has a 27-4 record in 2018. The U.S. will play Trindad & Tobago on Sunday.