PARIS — The USA males are again within the Olympics volleyball semifinals.
They beat Brazil on Monday 26-24, 28-30, 25-19, 25-19 to cap a wild day at South Paris Area 1 that noticed two of the 4 matches finish in reverse sweeps.
After a break day, the People play Poland, which superior with a victory over Slovenia. The USA-Poland match is at 4 p.m. native, adopted by Italy vs. France at 8 p.m.
Ageless reverse Matt Anderson led the USA with 17 kills and three blocks. TJ DeFalco had 15 kills and a block to go together with 11 digs. Max Holt had 9 kills, two blocks and two aces and Aaron Russell had 11 kills. Thomas Jaeschke, who got here in for Russell and gave the workforce an enormous spark on each offense and protection, had 5 kills.
“Aaron’s my finest buddy and I hate coming in for him, however … ” Jaeschke stated. “It was workforce effort and I used to be lucky sufficient to come back in and assist the workforce.”
Thre-time Olympic libero Erik Shoji led with 14 digs.
“Three good units and one we have to get higher at,” Shoji stated. “An important win.”
The USA trailed 13-8 within the first set, taking its first lead at 22-21 earlier than battling to the win. Within the second, nonetheless, the People had been up 18-12 when Brazil turned the desk. The USA was nonetheless forward 24-22 however couldn’t maintain on.
The People confirmed resiliency, “nevertheless it’s form of self inflicted,” Shoji supplied. “We come out that first set and win however then let issues go somewhat bit. The quarterfinals of the Olympics, this stuff are going to occur. I feel it’s the best day of volleyball within the historical past of the game and I’m completely satisfied to be part of it.”
Anderson, the four-time Olympian, had 5 of his kills within the fourth set.
“Matt Anderson had his finest match,” USA coach John Speraw stated. “Whereas the workforce didn’t have its finest match of the event, Matt did.”
“It was our aim and continues to be our aim to play for a gold medal and we consider we’re a ok workforce to try this,” Anderson stated.
The USA gained bronze in Rio in 2016, however did not advance to the Tokyo Olympics quarterfinals. On this event, the People went 3-0 in pool play with wins over Argentina, Germany and Japan.
“That was not a straightforward match,” Speraw stated. “We didn’t play our greatest volleyball of the event … when you might have a match on this event if you don’t play that nicely and win it’s one thing to construct off of. I’m excited to have a break day and begin making ready for what’s subsequent.”
Alan Souza led Brazil with 14 kills and two blocks. Ricardo Lucarelli had 12 kills, two blocks and an ace. Flavio Resende had eight kills and three blocks and Lucas Saatkamp had seven kills.
