Michelle Bartsch-Hackley lifted Team USA into the FIVB Volleyball Nations League (VNL) final through the sheer weight of numbers on Saturday, her match-leading 24 points proving the difference in her side's 3-1 (25-23, 25-20, 18-25, 25-18) victory over China.

The star wing spiker had been a force of nature as these inaugural VNL finals have played out, leading her team to a 3-0 run and top-scoring in each victory so far.

But the America talent pool runs deep and the reigning world champions were also lifted at the Olympics Sports Centre by the veteran middle blocker Foluke Akinradewo, with 14 points, and opposite spiker Kelly Murphy with 13 points.

Overall the USA picked up 66 points in total from kills, to China's 55, as they fine-tuned their attack in readiness for Sunday's final against Turkey.

China were led, as always, by their captain and star Zhu Ting whose 18 points came from 18 kills.

China had lost to Brazil 3-0 the night before but their 3-1 victory over the Netherlands on Wednesday proved enough for them to qualify for the semi-finals given the Dutch finished pool play winless.

There was hope for the local fans in the third set when China coach Lang Ping subbed 18-year-old opposite spiker Li Yingying on in an effort to turn her side's fortunes around.

She helped lift China to 25-18 and it seemed – for a moment at least – to change the course of the match but the USA soon regrouped, and Bartsch-Hackley took charge once again.

The teenage China star still finished with an incredible 14 points from 12 kills and two aces and confirmed again the fact that she has a great future at the top of the game.

Sunday's first-ever VNL final promises plenty, given the fact that Turkey were one of only two teams to beat the USA during preliminary round play. The USA might have overrun Turkey 3-0 this past Wednesday in the opening VNL finals exchange – Bartsch-Hackley leading the way with 18 points – but that loss seemed to spark Turkey into action, as shown on Thursday when they dispensed with Serbia 3-2, and then again earlier on Saturday with their stunning 3-0 semi-final win over Brazil.

Sunday's action begins with the third-fourth place play-off between Brazil and China ahead of the final

(With SNTV input)