RIO DE JANEIRO — Kelly Murphy’s Olympic debut was a smash hit.
Murphy, a Joliet Catholic graduate, had 13 kills in 19 attempts and also served 14 points as the top-ranked U.S. women’s volleyball team opened pool play with a 25-17, 25-22, 25-17 win over Puerto Rico on Saturday.
“I thought Kelly played a smart match,” Joliet Catholic coach Christine Scheibe said. “She hit hard when given the opportunity, but also used the block well. She also played good defense, covering her hitters well, which is an underrated quality. She also served aggressively.”
New mom of two and 2012 U.S. Olympic star Destinee Hooker watched from North Carolina, and it hurt a little bit not to be here. She said she misses being part of the Americans’ close-knit roster, having given birth to her son this past spring after having a daughter post-London.
“It’s not easy at all,” she wrote in a text message. “Wish them the best of luck.”
Murphy was one of two Chicago-area natives to play in the U.S. win, joining Kelsey Robinson, a St. Francis graduate from Bartlett.
“(Setter Alisha) Glass obviously has a lot of confidence in Kelly, getting the ball to her even in the back row, where she was able to get some kills and score,” Scheibe said. “Glass did a great job of going back to Kelly when played got bogged down.
“I’ve watched the Olympics forever, but to watch somebody you’ve coached, somebody you care about, somebody you love, and you love her family … it’s just awesome. Not only was Kelly playing for Team USA, she was starring.”
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In other action, host Brazil defeated Cameroon 25-14, 25-21, 25-13, and the Netherlands upset third-ranked Chinaa, 25-23, 21-25, 18-25, 25-22, 15-13.
Brazilian captain Fabiana and her teammates only wished they could have high-fived every single supporter inside Maracanazinho arena to show their appreciation.
“I was emotional. It’s very important because all of those fans are always showing their care to us,” the four-time Olympian said. “It’s the least we could do and I want to compliment them for all of their support.”
It was Fabiana’s idea to thank the fans after the two-time defending Olympic champions got off to a winning start.
Fernanda Rodrigues insists she and her teammates would be thrilled to thank everyone in the volleyball-crazed country if there was ever time. Constantly snapping selfies and signing autographs on the Olympic stage is no easy task.
Even for the team that is chasing a third gold medal right at home, having beaten the Americans in the championship the past two Olympics — and another title matchup already being forecast.
“It’s so special. This is my first Olympic Games here and to see the people screaming and shouting for us is incredible,” Gabriela Guimaraes said. “I can’t find the words in this moment.”
Cameroon’s Christelle Tchoudjang Nana didn’t mind being the first opponent for the host team and its huge, animated crowd.
“It’s OK,” she said, smiling. “It’s a good moment. We played one of the best teams in the world.”
Fist-pumping Netherlands coach Giovanni Guidetti found himself apologizing afterward for being hoarse.
For good reason, too.
His upstart Dutch team, back in the Olympics for the first time in 20 years, surprised just about everyone.
“I have no voice after the first match. I don’t know how I can keep going in the tournament,” Guidetti joked.
When the upset was in, the Dutch jumped and hugged. Netherlands outside hitter Celeste Plak lifted one staff member into the air in a celebratory embrace.
“This was really unbelievable, incredible,” Plak said. “This shows that we can fight if we are down. China is a very strong volleyball country. Our last success was in 1996 in volleyball. Now it’s our time to let people know we are Holland and we are back now.”