USA finishes fourth in Pool C of the 2012 FIVB World League – Volleyball news
American national men’s volleyball team rounded off the first-week matches of 2012 FIVB World League in Florence, Italy on Sunday.
US team played its last match against Italy and failed to overcome the hosts. Italy used the competitive advantage of paying at home and white-washed the visiting American squad. Home team sent 3-0 (25-16, 25-20, 25-16) on board and a claimed straight set
win. With success in consecutive third match Italy moved to the top slot in Pool C, while US team suffered the loss and finished fourth in the group.
Head coach Alan Knipe’s team displayed a poor performance and none of the players could go into double-figure score. Team Captain Clay Stanley and top attacker Matthew Anderson ended with eight points each. On contrary, the Italian team worked out an amazing
feat and delighted the home audience with victory. Zaytsev Ivan emerged as the top-scorer of the match with 17 points, while Cristian Savani added ten points in Italy’s score.
Both teams observed one minute silence before the start of the match. It was due to the recent terrorist attack and earth quack in Italy.
As the two teams got down to action, American players hit with power and picked up lead. The home team took some time to settle down in the court and then started the counter attack. With convincing attacks attempts, Italy worked its position up on the scoreboard
and pushed the visiting team behind. US team tried to resist but could not stop the onslaught of ambitious Italians. First set slipped from their hands as hosts posted 25-16 on board.
US team played comparatively better in the second set but still failed to prove its endeavours. Italy remained remarkably consistent and extended its lead to 2-0 by winning second set, 25-20.
In the third set, Italy cruised past to 25-16 win and announced match victory.
The US Coach Alan Knipe was not happy about the match result, which was evident was from his post-match remarks. He said, “We are still far from the way to London, so it’s normal to be in a still approximate shape. Actually we didn’t play well.”
The Italian mentor Mauro Berruto, on the other hand, seemed totally satisfied with his team’s wonderful feat. He congratulated the team and thanked the local audience for their continuous support. He commented, “When my team play so intense and focused way,
it’s very difficult to lose our aims. Obviously I’m really happy. Thanks Florence.”
Next up, the Pool C team will install their bases at French City Lyon for the second week matches. According to the set formula of the competition, each pool member is supposed to host one set of the preliminaries. USA will play host to the 2012 FIVB World
League matches in the fourth week. Dallas is scheduled to set up the field of play for week-four matches from June 29 to July 1.
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