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Lewis middle attacker Tyler Mitchem even in a losing effort at the World University Games showcased why he was an All-American last season.
Mitchem finished with 12 kills on 80.0 percent offensive efficiency and added a team-high three blocks as the United States lost to Portugal 25-19, 33-31, 25-21 on Tuesday and was eliminated from medal contention.
Both the United States and Portugal entered this pool-play final needing a victory to finish in second place in Group B and earn the group’s final berth to the quarterfinals.
The United States in the loss finished with a better offense efficiency at 29.90 percent to 29.47 percent. It also had two players finish with double-digit kills.
Along with Mitchem, Stanford opposite Jaylen Jasper contributed a match-high 20 kills against Portugal. This was the third time during the four-match pool-play round that Jasper led the United States in kills.
Bruno Cunha led Portugal with both 16 kills on a 41.18 percent offensive efficiency and two aces. In addition, Andre Marques added eight kills and a team-high three blocks against the United States.
Despite the sweep, the United States had opportunities to extend the match.
The United States had two game-points that Portugal fought off during the 16-point overtime in the second game. The team also rallied from a four-point deficit late in the third game to move within one point before Portugal closed out the match on a 3-0 run.
With this loss, the United States drops into the consolation bracket and will play Switzerland in the ninth-place quarterfinals on Thursday.