Team USA’s path to volleyball gold hit a snag on Saturday when star Jordan Thompson exited the team’s match against the Russian Olympic Committee with an ankle injury.
Thompson limped off the court after going up for a block and landing a teammate’s foot, rolling her ankle in the process.
With Thompson sidelined, Russia dominated in a 25-20, 25-12, 25-19, three-set win over the United States.
Thompson has been stellar for Team USA in her first Olympics, turning in a 34-point performance against defending Olympic champion China in their second match in Tokyo.
“We’re hoping to get her back, said coach Karch Kiraly, disclosing that Thompson’s injuries were medium to mild in nature and below a “major ankle sprain.”
Thompson confirmed that she plans to return to the court. In an Instagram post on Saturday, the 24-year-old wrote that “nothing serious is wrong with my ankle.”
The U.S. will face Italy in the team’s final match of pool play on Monday.