Former Mizzou Standout Kreklow Sets Team USA to World Championship
7/27/2015 4:31:00 PM | Volleyball
OMAHA, Neb. – Former Mizzou standout Molly Kreklow (Delano, Minn.) guided Team USA to a Fédération Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB) World Grand Prix Championship and a perfect 5-0 record over the week-long event in Omaha, concluding on Sunday with a 3-0 win over China. Kreklow, the second Mizzou setter to play with the US National Team, was named the Grand Prix's Most Outstanding Setter, a high bestowment at one of the world's most renowned volleyball tournaments, featuring the top five teams globally.
"It's been an amazing experience," Kreklow said. "Looking back on it, I was definitely overwhelmed and nervous, but I had a lot of help, a lot of great players to play with and it made my job really easy. As a setter, you rely on so many people to help you with your job. There are coaches who tell you what strategy to use; there are passers who need to pass the ball to you and hitters who obviously need to put the ball away. I'm really lucky to play with some of the best players in the world."
Team USA head coach Karch Kiraly used 14 different starting lineups to begin sets over the tournament and the one constant was Kreklow, who started at setter in every match. In all, Team USA dropped just one set during the entire tournament. Kiraly, one of the world's most recognizable volleyball personas, had high praise for Kreklow, who was the 2013 SEC Player of the Year.
"She was an absolute stud on this trip, carrying our offense, running it the way we needed to depending on the different opponents we faced, so Molly did a great job," Kiraly said. "She's one of the best learners on the team, has a great learning mindset."
Entering the tournament as the world's No. 1 team, Kreklow and Team USA defeated No. 2 Brazil, No. 3 China, No. 4 Japan and No. 5 Italy and No. 7 Russia over the 5-day tournament. Russia was the only team to win a set over the Americans with Team USA sweeping the other four matches, including a three-set sweep of defending Olympic Champion Brazil.
Karsta Lowe, a 6-4 right side hitter for the Americans, was named Tournament MVP and was sure to thank her setter in Kreklow.
"Molly Kreklow's a wonderful setter and honestly she sets me up," Lowe said. "She gets me one blocker half the time, so really, it's not on me."
Kreklow and Team USA will have a week off before beginning training for Olympic qualifying, which is set to begin on Aug. 16. For all the latest on Mizzou volleyball, stay tuned to MUTigers.com and follow the team on Twitter @MizzouVB.
Word on the Tweet: Top Tweets from Sunday's Match
Shoutout to @kreklow1 for the 1st place finish at the FIVB World Grand Prix and for winning best... https://t.co/4jSFo1BmRd
— Ricky Kreklow (@RickyKreklow) July 27, 2015
Not only is she an amazing setter, she was willing to say hello to all of my snapchat friends! @kreklow1 is awesome! pic.twitter.com/wxARACUHku
— Grant Preheim (@GrantPreheim) July 27, 2015
How phenominal is @kreklow1 ? On Team USA only months, now this! #STP
— Craig Roberts (@NASCARdressing) July 27, 2015
Watch Live Now #FIVBGrandPrix Awards Ceremony - MVP & Medals to be Awarded! https://t.co/Lwr7Bu7BLz @kreklow1 pic.twitter.com/4hD9R0la02
— Volleyball Fan Zone (@FanZone1) July 27, 2015
@kreklow1 a picture with Molly so humble and so sweet #MVP #FIVBGrandPrix #Omaha #18 #GoMolly #USA pic.twitter.com/Ux98AxOD4n
— ??RayitaBebe?? (@r4y1t4) July 26, 2015
As @usavolleyball's starting setter, @kreklow1 is now a WORLD CHAMPION! Next: Olympic qualifying #MizzouMade #SetterU pic.twitter.com/dOV14Funwy
— Mizzou Volleyball (@MizzouVB) July 26, 2015
Watching this stud play! @kreklow1 pic.twitter.com/wCWvZIh797
— Priscilla Armendariz (@Piparmendariz) July 26, 2015
My favorite moment from last night @kreklow1 @CoachGormania @BlaineVBall pic.twitter.com/G1xjDzvebP
— Andy Guggisberg (@coachandyg) July 25, 2015
