USC outside attacker Sterling Foley after being reinserted into the starting lineup responded with a performance to put the United States in the semifinals.
Foley led all players with both five aces and 18 kills on a .571 attack percentage as the United States defeated the Dominican Republic 21-25, 25-21, 25-16, 23-25, 15-11 at the NORCECA Final Six on Wednesday in Puerto Rico.
The United States with this victory became the first team at the six-team international tournament to secure a semifinals berth. In addition, the team stays in first place and is the last remaining undefeated team entering the pool-play finale.
Foley opened the match with a game-high six kills in the first game and did not commit an attack error through the first two games.
Along with the offensive performance, Foley had a block early in the decisive fifth game that jump started a 5-1 run. Foley also had a kill late in the final game to help secure the victory.
Hawai’i setter Tread Rosenthal guided the U.S. offense to out-hit the Dominican Republic.375 to .277.
Former Ball State outside attacker Patrick Rogers contributed 10 kills, including a team-high four kills in the second game. Hawai’i opposite Kainoa Wade contributed nine kills, while Long Beach State middle attacker Jackson Cryst had six kills on a .455 attack percentage.
Pin-hitter Hector Alexis Cruz in the loss led the Dominican Republic with both 15 kills and five aces.