Ensing big night powers U.S. to road win against Bulgaria

Opposite Kyle Ensing came through for the United States to deliver a bounce-back win.

Ensing finished with a match-high 17 kills on a .682 attack percentage as the United States defeated Bulgaria 25-12, 20-25, 26-24, 25-23 on Saturday in Sofia, Bulgaria at the FIVB Volleyball Nations League.

This victory comes two days after the United States suffered its first loss of the international tournament. In addition, the United States now moves into third place in the Volleyball Nations League standings and is one point out of first place.

Ensing was one of three U.S. players with double-digit kills against Bulgaria. Outside attackers Aaron Russell and TJ DeFalco each had 10 kills in the four-game win.

Middle attacker Jeff Jendryk also had seven kills and zero errors on a .700 attack percentage.

The United States had eight aces – two more aces than Bulgaria – with Russell leading all players with four aces.

Long Beach State outside attacker Alex Nikolov in the loss led Bulgaria with both 14 kills on a .316 attack percentage and three aces. Former Hawai’i opposite Rado Parapunov added 13 kills against the United States.

Nikolov and Parapunov were the only two Bulgarian players to have more than five kills and hit more than .200.