Larson and Murphy pace USA over Japan

Nagoya, Japan, November 13, 2013 - The United States defeated Japan in four sets (25-19, 25-19, 19-25, 25-21) in their round-robin match at the FIVB World Grand Champions Cup on Wednesday night.

The result left both sides with 1-1 records as the event moves to Tokyo and resumes play on Friday.

Jordan Larson-Burbach and Kelly Murphy paced the U.S. with 20 points apiece in the triumph. Kristin Hildebrand added 16, including four blocks. Yuki Ishii was the top scorer for Japan with 19 points. Saori Kimura had 13 in the loss.

A day after losing to Olympic champion Brazil in straight sets, the U.S. was all business.

Despite several early mistakes, the U.S. took charge in the first set and had the momentum for the majority of it.

Japan, which beat European champion Russia in its opening match on Tuesday, came out sluggish and had trouble mobilizing its attack.

The U.S. did a good job of neutralizing Japan star Saori Sakoda, who had only three points through the first two sets, one night after she notched 17 against Russia.

The Americans executed well in all facets of the game in the victory. Japan struggled with receiving throughout the evening.