U.S. men fall to Serbia 3-2, E. Shoji injured

The U.S. men’s national volleyball team rallied from down 0-2 couldn’t complete the comeback, falling to Serbia 25-23, 25-21, 25-27, 20-25, 15-12 in the FIVB World League semifinal match Saturday in Rio de Janeiro.

The Americans, winners of this event last year, were to play Poland for the bronze medal Sunday (2:10 a.m. Hawaii time). Serbia takes on France for the gold.

Starting setter Micah Christenson (Kamehameha) had 31 assists and reserve setter Kawika Shoji (‘Iolani), who played briefly in Set 2, added four assists. Christenson also had four blocks, two aces and six digs, and libero Erik Shoji (Punahou) had four digs before leaving the match with a knee injury incurred when going after a ball in Set 2.

The U.S. appeared poised to gain the final when leading 12-10 in Set 5. A U.S. service sparked a 5-0 Serbia run to close out the match.

bronze and gold matches available at link below

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNMg6XDhRZI2QzL4pWOvP_w

On another note, think I forgot to mention that former UCLA All-American Jeff Nygaard is the new head men’s coach at USC.