USA sweeps Costa Rica in second match of NORCECA Olympic Qualifiers – Volleyball news
Equipped with the support of more than 1,000 fans at Walter Pyramid in Long Beach, California, the US men’s national volleyball team defeated Costa Rica in straight sets on Tuesday.
US team held off Costa Rica for 3-0 (25-14, 25-9, 25-9) victory in the second match 2012 NORCECA Men’s Continental Olympic Qualification Tournament. Victory moved USA to 2-0 in the tournament, while Costa Rica remained unsuccessful with 0-2 record.
The hosts influenced the visiting team in every aspect of the game. American hitters did a great job and scored 38 points on attacks, while Costa Rica claimed only 18. Likewise, US team restricted the opponents to a low score by offering solid defence. Home
squad added 8 blocks whereas Costa Rica ended with 2 blocks in three-set match. Most importantly, US kept the game in hand with delivery of wonderful serves as they contributed 11 aces in the match.
No. 19 US player David McKienzie drew everyone’s attention with his skilful play. He joined the game in third set and still managed to bag most of the points. He was named top-scorer of the match with 10 points on 19 attack attempts.
On the other hand, the skipper of US team Clay Stanley led the team in a great way. He perfectly fit in the role of a captain and added with points. The tandem of Ryan Millar and Russell Holmes also put up nice show and contributed to the overall success
of their team. They clipped seven points, apiece.
Costa Rica’s Richard Smith registered team-high eight points, in the failing effort.
With effective serves, US team made a solid start in the match. They formed good combinations and directed their shots in the right spots. The ball frequently laded on Costa Rican side and raised the score of American team. First ended with final score of
25-14 and hosts went on front with 1-0.
The following two set ended with identical 25-9 score and finally USA claimed 3-0 win over Costa Rica.
Winning Captain of US team Clay Stanley shared his thoughts after the match. He said, “As far as tonight, I thought our team controlled the game behind the service line had a pretty nice control block giving them pressure and having it hard to side out.
As far as tomorrow, we want to keep doing what we have been doing and keep our serves in, keep improving and get ready for the next few matches coming up.”
“Our goal tonight was to have better reception of the ball and improve our defence and there isn’t a better team to do that against than the United States,” said Costa Rican Coach Cesar Salas.
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