Courtney Thompson’s pro volleyball team reaches world semifinals

• Voléro Zürich upsets Sao Paulo, aims for third trophy of 2014

While many of her US National Team teammates have begun 2014 training in Anaheim, Olympian Courtney Thompson’s professional team in Europe is still going strong.

Setter Courtney Thompson serves for Volero Zurich in a 3-0 Club World Championship victory over Petroliers

Thompson, a former Washington All-American, sets for Voléro Zürich, winners of both the Swiss League Championship and Swiss Cup competitions. A few hours ago, Volero reached the semifinals of the FIVB Women’s Club World Championship, sweeping African club champion Petroliers of Algeria 3-0 (25-15, 26-24, 25-13).

On Wednesday, Volero upset heavily-favored SESI Sao Paulo, the South American club champions, 3-2 (25-12, 25-18, 15-25, 15-25, 15-10). Sao Paulo's star middle blocker, Fabiana Claudino, captained Brazil's 2012 Olympic champion team in London. The FIVB press summary praised Thompson’s setting, saying “Thompson conducted her team with skillful combinations using (both) the front and backlines.”

The two victories send Volero into Saturday’s semifinals, where they’ll face either Brazil’s Molico/Osasco or powerhouse Dinamo Kazan of Russia. Dinamo won the European club championship earlier this year, defeating Volero in the quarterfinals.

Win or lose, Thompson returns to the US later this month for another summer session with the US team.