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It took multiple overtimes, but the United States was able to get past Guatemala.
The United States overcame two game-points in the first-game overtime and then had a game-winning ace in the second-game overtime as it swept Guatemala 32-30, 27-25, 25-21 in pool-play at the NORCECA U21 Pan American Cup on Tuesday in Cuba.
The United States in the victory out-hit Guatemala .395 to .257 and had two players with at least nine kills and a game-winning overtime point.
Outside attacker Kyle Teune finished with 10 kills on a .389 attack percentage – the second consecutive match the Ohio State player had double-digit kills. Teune also had a game-winning ace in overtime to give the United States a two-game lead.
Stanford outside attacker Alex Rottman also had nine kills, including the game-winning kill in the first game to close out a 14-point overtime.
Along with these two pin-hitters, Ohio State opposite Shane Wetzel led all players with 15 kills to help the United States remain undefeated and clinch a quarterfinals berth.
The United States (2-0, 10 points Pool B) finished with 12 aces – eight more aces than Guatemala.
Four U.S. players had multiple aces with both Rottman and Penn State middle attacker Owen Rose having a match-high three aces. In addition, Wetzel and Lewis setter Tyler Morgan each contributed two aces.
The United States with this victory remains tied with Cuba (2-0, 10 points Pool B) for first place in Pool B.
The two teams will play each other in the pool-play finale on Wednesday. The winner of this match will clinch the pool championship and receive a bye to the semifinals.