United States to falls Argentina, out of playoff contention

Any hope the United States had of medaling at the World University Games are officially done.

The United States was held to less than a .200 attack percentage as it lost to Argentina 25-22, 25-20, 25-15 on Monday in South Korea to be eliminated for a possible spot in the quarterfinals.

UC Irvine outside attacker Kyle Russell in the loss had a team-high with 10 kills. This was the second consecutive group play match that Russell led the United States in kills.

Former Lewis outside attacker Greg Petty also added nine kills, while UC Irvine middle attacker Jason Agopian had four kills against Argentina.

Argentina out-hit the United States .349 to .139, including having more .400 attack percentage entering the final game. In addition, the United States had a tournament-low one block in the sweep.

Outside attacker Manuel Leskiw led Arengina with 17 kills to help his team move into sole possession of second place in Pool A and the final berth for the quarterfinals.

With this loss, the United States drops into a tie for fifth place in Pool A.

The team will play fourth-place Korea in its group play finale on Tuesday.