Team USA stopped defending champions Russia and awaits the final matchup between Italy and Russia if they were to advance to the meal round at the FIVB Women's Volleyball World Championship in Italy on Thursday.

On the second day of the third round at the Mediolanum Forum in Milan, the Americans took an early advantage with the help from outside hitter Kimberly Hill to end up on top two sets to zero.

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The Americans was on track in the third set, taking an early lead 8-2 but through the efforts of star spiker Tatiana Kosheleva and Ekaterina Gamova the Russians converted 9 straight points to take over the lead and eventually winning the set 25-15.

It was tight in the fourth set but the United States mustered its way and Foluke Akinradewo finished the set and the match with a cross court kill to halt the Russians 25-19, 25-23, 15-25, 25-23.

Hill led the Americans with 18 points while Kosheleva top scored for the Russian squad with 25 points.

USA is now 2-0 against the Russians in the tournament whom they defeated in the qualifying rounds 3-1.

"Russia are a great team and I respect their great history," USA coach Karch Kiraly said. "I am proud of what my team was able to produce tonight, recovering from the disappointing loss against Italy."

USA, who lost terribly against Italy on Wednesday, now awaits the final matchup between the host nation and Russia to determine if they will move on to the semifinals on Saturday.

Russia, on the other hand, must win its last match against Italy in straight sets in order to keep their hopes alive of a third gold medal in a row.

Italy is now assured of a finals berth after Russia won the third set regardless of the outcome of their final matchup.

TagsEkaterina Gamova, Tatiana Kosheleva, Kimberly Hill, Karch Kiraly