U.S. books a seat in Final Round of 2011 FIVB World League – Volleyball news
The Men’s National Volleyball squad of USA has successfully reserved a berth in the Final Round of the 2011 FIVB World League. The Americans finished the Intercontinental round of the tournament by holding off Puerto Rico in the last match for a straight
sets victory. Team USA posted a 3-0 (25-13, 25-22, and 25-19) win and added seventh victory to their tally on Saturday, July 2. They finished in second place with an overall record of 7-4 and gained 20 points. They are now confirmed to play in the Final Round,
which is scheduled to run from July 6-10 in the Polish city of Gdansk.
David Lee contributed nine points in his team’s score in the last match against Puerto Rico. He was credited for four kills, one ace and four blocks. Likewise, Middle blocker, Ryan Millar, did an amazing job on defence. He clipped nine points via five kills
and four blocks. Matter Anderson played his part and helped his side with six crucial points. Setter, Brian Thornton, was active all the time during match. He offered great resistance to his squad’s rival side and saved many points for his team. William Reid
Priddy, the captain, was also instrumental in his team’s success.
U.S. team took an early 4-1 lead over Puerto Rico as they played well offensively and defensively. Clay Stanley, Ryan Miller and captain Priddy all actively participated in the strike. They added quick points and took the score to 8-3. As the game progressed,
the scoreboard showed a seven point lead for the U.S. team at 10-3. Puerto Rico progressed at a snail’s pace and ended up with just 13 points in the first set as the Americans secured the opening set with huge margin of 12 points.
U.S. team kept the same momentum in the second set and stormed Puerto Rico’s half with unstoppable shots. They put away five consecutive points on board, while Puerto Rico was yet to score any points. Puerto Rico’s Ortiz killed one attack attempt from the
U.S. and scored the first point for his team. Later, they managed to steal a few points from their resilient rivals and tied the score at 14-all. U.S. side broke the tie but Puerto Rico again hit the equaliser at 16-16. The game turned into a heated competition
in the second set. Long rallies were exchanged as Puerto Rico put in a great effort but the Americans proved too good.
Third set was another great fight between the two sides. Score frequently tied, while both teams played fast. First tie of third set was created at 3-all and then second appeared at 6-6. Near the second technical timeout, the scoreboard once again showed
13-13 and 15-all. The situation remained undecided until the ending moments but finally the U.S. hit the mark and won the set. U.S. team was awarded three more points for their brilliant victory and helped them advance to the Final Round of the tournament.
Alan Knipe, the American Head Coach, expressed his views after the match and said: “We didn’t get a huge run of points, but I thought we sided out when we needed to. This is a tough group we have been in. In my three years of World League, this was the toughest
group we have been in.” The U.S. captain especially praised the valiant effort of Stanley Clay as he set pace for American team. The head coach also acknowledged the wonderful abilities of Clay.
Meanwhile, the Puerto Rican Coach, Carlos Cardona, congratulated American team for making it to the Final Round. Nonetheless, he regretted that his team couldn’t live up to the expectation in the competition.
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