US men grab victory in opening match of Olympic Qualifiers – Volleyball news
US men’s national volleyball team defeated underdog Trinidad & Tobago in straight sets on Monday. The two teams crossed their ways in the first match of NORCECA Continental Olympic Qualification Tournament.
USA posted 3-0 (25-9, 25-10, 25-14) win over Trinidad & Tobago and added first win of the competition to its count. The match took place at the Pyramid in Long Beach, California. The hosts performed amazingly well and dominated throughout the match.
U.S. middle blocker David Lee emerged as the top-scorer of the match with 11 points. His teammate Matt Anderson contributed nine points in team’s score, while Paul Lotman and Reid Priddy registered seven and six points, respectively.
The defensive expert of American team Rich Lambourne did a great job in receptions. He led in digs with 11 and was credited with 4 excellent serve receptions. On the other hand, the skipper of the Trinidad team Nolan Tash added team-high six points on six
attacks.
Overall, the hosts dominated visiting team with 12-0 in aces, 7-2 in blocks and 33-14 in attacks.
In the first set of the match, U.S. added quick points and grabbed an early lead. Trinidad & Tobago had difficulty in reception and ball frequently landed on their side. American guns swiftly moved to 8-4 lead at the first technical break. In the next run,
they put more pressure on the opponents and widened the gap of points. Anderson and Priddy showed no mercy and hit with full power. The first set inched its way to end, while Trinidad & Tobago could not go into double-digits. The Americans closed the set with
final score of 25-9 and went on front with 1-0 record.
US team controlled the operations in the next set as well. Trinidad & Tobago players failed to put up with heavy strike of volleys from American side. The trio of Priddy, Millar and Stanley totally wrecked the defence line of opponents. They faced no difficulty
in directing the ball in gaps and corners, which raised US team’s score by leaps and bounds. Second set also successful for home team, 25-10.
Third set unfolded the similar story. US led the scores whereas Trinidad & Tobago trailed behind. It looked more of one-sided affair. Comparatively T&T scored better in third set and improved to 14 point but still it was not enough to overcome the rival
side. US claimed victory in the first match without putting much effort.
The winning head Alan Knipe commented, “It was our first match. I thought it was important that we play with the right mentality and a good sense of urgency.” Likewise, Stanley said, “We did a great job behind the service line. Our block was good and it
put a lot of pressure on Trinidad.”
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